Read Alouds are so important for children of all ages. There are so many benefits to reading aloud to children.
Read Alouds:
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Improve comprehension
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Improve and develop active listening skills
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Increases vocabulary
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Models use of language, expression, and fluency
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Promote discussions about themes and big ideas
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Enhance critical thinking and questioning
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Build classroom community
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Nurture a love for reading
Mr. Peabody’s Apples
Mr. Peabody’s Apples is Madonna’s 2nd picture book. Madonna “dedicates Mr. Peabody’s Apples to teachers everywhere.” This is the freebie I received from Scholastic many years ago and it is one of my favorite must read back to school books ever.
Mr. Peabody’s Apples takes place in 1949 in Happville, USA. Mr. Peabody is the beloved elementary school teacher and baseball coach, who one day finds himself ostracized when rumors spread through the small town. Mr. Peabody silences the gossip with an unforgettable and poignant lesson about how we must choose our words carefully to avoid causing harm to others. It also illustrates symbolically how difficult it is to “fix” the harm our words does to ones reputation. Truly a powerful message!
Need lessons to go along with the book? Check out these lessons and activities at Teachers Pay Teachers.
For More Back to School Read Alouds, check out this post, 5 Best Kept Secret Back to School Read Alouds.
September Novel Read Aloud
Wonder
In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship and KINDNESS. Also, a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay.
Need lessons to go with this book? Check out these amazing lessons and activities at Teachers Pay Teachers.
HALLOWEEN
This book will have you and your students laughing out loud. This hilarious book is for both children and adults. My favorite part is the throwback to the days of plastic costumes sold in a box with a rubber band attached by a tiny staple to the mask. Definitely brings adults back to the good old days of Halloween but gives kids a good laugh to the rules and purpose of Halloween…must get candy!!
Sneak peek into the beginning:
So the first time you hear the concept of Halloween when you’re a kid, your brain can’t even understand it. “What is this? What did you say? Someone’s giving out candy? Who’s giving out candy? EVERYONE WE KNOW is giving out candy? I gotta be a part of this!”
You have got to read this fun-filled book!
The Night Before Halloween
The classic ‘Twas The Night’ before series will have you and your students laughing out loud…“Twas the night before Halloween, and all through the house, All the creatures were stirring, except for the mouse. The monsters had gathered to plan and prepare, For the trick-or-treaters who soon would be there?”
Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete
Who doesn’t love Pete the Cat? This book is a fun-filled lift the flaps book as Pete ventures out on Halloween to find some scary surprises.
Room on the Broom
A really cute story about a friendly witch who starts her travels with one friend, but ends up making several more friends who help her find lost items along the way. She finds room on her broom for all the animals asking for rides, and they repay her kindness in the end.
How to Catch a Monster
If you Like How To Catch a Leprechaun or How To Catch an Elf, then you’ll love this book. This is a super cute story in rhyme about being brave and facing fears.
There’s a monster in my closet,
with claws, and teeth, and hair,
and tonight, I’m going to scare him!
He lives just right through there…
October Novel Read Aloud
Because of Winn-Dixie
This is truly a fantastic book to read, especially at the beginning of the school year as it covers themes such as love, friendship and building relationships. Recommended for grades 3-5.
Book Summary: This is a classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo that tells the story of ten-year-old India Opal Buloni. One summer day she goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it’s because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie. Featuring a new cover illustration by E. B. Lewis.
Need lessons to go with this book? Check out these amazing lessons and activities at Teachers Pay Teachers.
Books about giving thanks!
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! (Reading Railroad)
Giving Thanks: More than 100 ways to say thank you
Giving Thanks
The Night Before Thanksgiving
This month’s read alouds are teacher favorites!!!
Polar Express 30th anniversary edition
Oh, how I love this book, especially on audio as Liam Neeson reads it aloud. The book is full of magical illustrations and is a story about seeing and believing in the magic of Christmas. Watch the movie too as a bonus! Such beautiful animation and music! You will not be disappointed.
Twas The Night Before Christmas (AniMotion)
This classic is a favorite among adults and children, but this one is filled with beautiful illustrations and movement that make my students, as well as my own kids, want to read over and over again. Truly a magical story!
Moosletoe
Super cute story in rhyme about a moose preparing for Christmas. All kids just love this book and think it’s hilarious! Who wouldn’t…look at the cover!?
Pig the Elf (Pig the Pug)
This book is just hilarious! Your kiddos will love the illustrations as well as the cute little greedy pug. Definitely a LOL kind of book. Just look at that face?!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Classic Seuss)
Who doesn’t love the story about the Grinch whose heart grows three times as large? This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. A favorite for adults and children!
The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever
This book is part of a best selling series. Book Summary: It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and Clayton and Desmond feel the chill in the air. The cool weather makes them think of Christmas . . . and Christmas makes them think of Christmas trees! Who’ll find the biggest one? (Amazon.com)
Jingle the Christmas Clown
Who isn’t a fan of Tomie dePaola’s books?!
Book summary: Left behind by the circus in an impoverished Italian town, Jingle, a little clown, and his baby animals come up with an idea to make Christmas Eve special for all the villagers by putting on their own circus performance. (Amazon.com)
The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story
Book summary: In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folktale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child. (Amazon.com)
Turkey Claus
Book Summary: Turkey needs Santa’s help so he won’t be eaten for Christmas dinner. Turkey is in trouble. Again. He made it through Thanksgiving without becoming a turkey dinner, but now it’s almost Christmas, and guess what’s on the menu? Turkey decides the only thing to do is to ask Santa for help. He sets off for the North Pole, but getting in to see Santa at Christmastime isn’t as easy as Turkey expected. It’s going to take all his ideas—and his clever disguises—to find a way into Santa’s house. After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise, and Santa has the perfect solution. (Amazon.com)
And For your littlest reader…
Dinosaur vs. Santa (Board Book) (A Dinosaur vs. Book)
Book Summary: Dinosaur is getting ready for Santa! He tackles many challenges–decorating, making presents for Mom and Dad, trying not to be naughty–and defeats each one with his trademark ROAR! But on Christmas Eve, when he hears some rustling downstairs, he can’t resist a peek. Will our feisty red friend meet his match in the man in the red suit? (Amazon.com)
The Story of Hanukkah
This book is beautifully written and has vibrant paintings that tell the story of Hanukkah and its historical significance. It also includes a latke recipe and directions for the dreidel game.
The Night Before Hanukkah
Book Summary: It’s the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah begins, and everyone is excited! Each evening, the family gathers to light the candles and share holiday traditions such as playing dreidel, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts. (Amazon.com)
Snowmen at Work
Have you read this book series? This is the 4th book in the series and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful! The story is written in rhyme and tells the story of the busy lives snowmen lead. Hidden pictures on every page make children want to read this book over and over again! Your kiddos will love it!
My First Kwanzaa Book
This is an easy read to understand the true meaning of Kwanzaa. Book Summary: A vibrant picture book brings to life the Kwanzaa holiday during the last week of December as Grandma brings special food, Grandpa lights the candles, and the whole family celebrates their heritage. (Amazon.com)
The Snowy Day
Who doesn’t love a snow day!? This book is a bestseller plus a Caldecott winner about a busy little boy and his adventures in the city on a snowy day.
The Mitten
A best selling classic for children written by Jan Brett with an engaging plot that brings animals to life with warmth and humor, with illustrations that are true to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes. You may also want to check out another of Brett’s books…
The Hat
Hedgie the hedgehog discovers the wisdom of the adage “Don’t go poking your nose where it doesn’t belong” only after curiosity gets this prickly fellow in a pickle. When Lisa’s red-and-white woolen stocking blows off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and sticks his nose inside, only to discover his prickles prevent him from pulling out of it. Soon all the farm animals are coming around to chuckle at silly Hedgie’s stocking cap. But in the end, nimble-witted Hedgie gets the last laugh (Amazon.com Review)
The Dot
Start off the New Year right with an excellent read aloud that promotes a growth mindset and teaches children of all ages (adults too) to have courage, dream, believe, inspire and be inspired. A must read!
Snowflake Bentley
With beautiful illustrations, this biography tells the true story of a Vermont farm boy, Wilson Bentley, who was mesmerized by snowflakes.
Deep Snow
Book Summary: (Amazon.com): Sweet story about children and the snow. Very short book–great for bedtime. Ali jumps into a BIG pile of snow before she realizes how deep it really is! And when her sister and her dad try to get her out, things get worse and worse and worse…
Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool
Who doesn’t love Pete The Cat? He’s the grooviest cat we know and love and he’s learning how to LOVE Valentine’s Day.
Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Love
Silly Tilly’s Valentine
Silly Tilly is trying to remember what day it is but gets sidetracked when doing so, as many of us do. Silly Tilly eventually finds out what day it is and is very tickled about how she went about it.
Love Monster
Book Summary (Amazon.com): Love Monster is a slightly hairy monster trying to fit in with the cuddly residents of Cutesville. But as it turns out, it’s hard to fit in with the cute and the fluffy when you’re a googly-eyed monster. And so, Love Monster sets out to find someone who will love him just the way he is. His journey is not easy―he looks high, low, and even middle-ish. But as he soon finds out, in the blink of a googly eye, love can find you when you least expect it.
Love, Splat (Splat the Cat)
Book Summary (Amazon.com): It’s Valentine’s Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn’t seem to like him at all. And then there’s Splat’s rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat’s heartfelt valentine win Kitten’s paw in the end?
Groundhog Gets a Say
Book Summary (Amazon.com): There’s so much more to being a groundhog than just putting on a show once a year, and Groundhog has decided it’s time to tell the world the Hog truth. With the help of a few of his fans, Groundhog is ready to tell everything about himself, from how loud he can whistle (loud), to how fast he can run (not fast), to how many things he uses his teeth for (a lot). Groundhog may be full of himself, but chances are good that, by the end of this book, you’ll agree he’s pretty wonderful!
Duck for President (A Click, Clack Book)
This is a hilarious book and is more fun than any presidential election that you can imagine! Your kiddos will love to read this book and look at its illustrations over and over again.
Pinkalicious
Who doesn’t love all things pink? But this girl takes loving pink a little too far! Great books in this series for your littles.
March is National Reading Awareness Month
Join in on the 15-minute movement of the power of reading aloud. Reading aloud every day is the single most important thing you can do to prepare children for learning. Have fun with some of these read alouds this month.
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato
Anyone who loves Tomie dePaola is sure to love this book. He does such a fantastic job retelling stories from different cultures with the beauty of watercolor.
The Luckiest Leprechaun: A Tail-Wagging Tail of Friendship
A heartwarming tale of a cautious leprechaun and his unlikely friendship with an outgoing dog named Lucky.
How to Catch a Leprechaun
Have a little fun with some mischief! Read, imagine and plan to catch leprechauns of your own at home or in the classroom.
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day
It’s the night before St. Patrick’s Day, and Tim and Maureen are wide awake setting traps to catch a leprechaun! When they wake the next morning to the sound of their dad playing the bagpipes and the smell of their mom cooking green eggs, they’re shocked to find that they’ve actually caught a leprechaun. But will they be able to find his pot of gold? (Amazon.com summary)
How to Build a Leprechaun Trap
Can you be the first to catch a leprechaun? Catching leprechauns are no easy task-you need more than dandelion tea and four-leaf clovers! You’ll need the perfect trap with precise calculations and proper engineering-and How to Build a Leprechaun Trap can help! (Amazon.com summary)
How to Catch the Easter Bunny
After you are done catching that leprechaun, read this fun story about catching the Easter Bunny! Fun for your littles.
Earth Day
Michael Recycle
Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, Michael Recycle tells the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling. After cleaning up a town, the people declare: “To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet’s new savior!” (Amazon.com summary)
Our Class Is Going Green
Did you know that this is a winning Kids Are Authors book? Scholastic Kids are Authors was a national writing competition that encouraged reading, writing and artistic skills by writing, illustrating and publishing a picture book. This book won! It was written by a kindergarten class and is about how they became more environmentally friendly.
Read more about the Kids Are Authors writing competition here. My class entered many years and came in the top 25 three years in a row as Honorable Mention Winners.
The Three R’s: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle (What Do You Know About? Books)
10 Things You Can Do to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Rookie Star)
These books are great for introducing the concept of reuse, reduce, and recycle.
The Curious Garden
This New York Times bestselling modern classic explores the perennial topic of environmentalism in an urban world (amazon.com summary).
April is Poetry Month
Have some poetry fun with Shel Silverstein!
Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings
A Light in the Attic Special Edition with 12 Extra Poems
Falling Up
Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook
Read to learn with these books about life cycles!
A Butterfly’s Life Cycle (Explore Life Cycles)
Monarch Butterfly
Frogs
From Seed to Plant
Gail Gibbons has a wonderful line of books for reading to learn on a variety of topics for a wide range of readers.
Mother’s Day
Celebrate moms with these cute reads…
The Night Before Mother’s Day
Another fun to read book in this series…It’s the night before Mother’s Day, and Dad and the kids are determined to show Mom just how much they love her.
What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day
A little boy offers advice on what NOT to give your mom on Mother’s Day unless she’s an animal.
How to Raise a Mom
Seriously cute…Written in an instructional style, two siblings suggest the best ways to raise a happy, healthy mom—from waking her up in the morning to arranging play dates, to making sure she gets enough exercise, some quiet time, and plenty of veggies!
Did you know that students lose about 60% of what they have learned over the school year over the summer?! It’s called summer brain drain and teachers see the effects of this when students go back to school in the Fall. What teachers notice most is that students come into the new grade with lacking skills and low pre-assessments. So before your students leave for the summer encourage them to read, read, read, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, to keep their brain from going down the summer slide with these must read book favorites. Read my post, Get Your Summer Read On, which includes favorite book recommendations and tips for readers for grades K-5. Check out my Summer Reading Brochures to send home with students. It includes 2 summer reading brochures for both fiction and non-fiction for early readers, middle, upper elementary (K-5) which includes the most popular books that will engage all types of readers. Parents often struggle with how to support their child with reading. I included a page of summer reading tips, strategies and activities to do before, during and after reading and tips for supporting different types of readers.
