Read alouds were one of my favorite things we did when I was a student. I remember my teachers reading To Stand On My Own, Charolette's Web, and much more! It seems like every school year, there are less and lesson read alouds for students. However, I have found success in using them with the older grades. These books can function as great mentor texts and expose students to things they normally would not read.
Does every student need a copy?
Nope! I am the only one with a copy of the book that I read aloud while the students are listening. I find that they are more engaged just listening.
When do you do read alouds?
I set aside a specific amount of a time and use a visual timer. Whether it be five or ten minutes, it is whatever works best for the class. School days are jam packed full of things to do, so I keep myself on track with the timer.
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
This is a book that I did not know what to think of when I first picked it up! One of my reading professors raved about it so I ended up using it for a project. I have used it for lit circles and read alouds. There are so many great plots and themes to discuss with a class in it! It is about a young trouble maker who accidentally gets sent to a gifted school. He spends his time trying to not stand out, getting to know the students, and finding more adventures.
The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordon
I read this one recently and it even had me on the edge of my seat! It is the first book in a popular series where Amy and Dan Cahill are given the option of taking a million dollars or chase 39 clues around the world to reveal their family's secrets. It is a very powerful family, but no one has been able to assemble the clues to find the source of power. This book offers so much practice in foreshadowing, prediction, and analysis!
Horrible Harry in Room 2B by Suzy Kline
This book is most suitable for third and fourth grade in my opinion and it is a fast read. It is so funny and students love it! Harry is a second grade student who loves causing mischief in his classroom and he is always up to something. The book follows Harry and his class through his pranks and adventures.
Freckle Juice by Judy Bloom
Freckle juice is another fast read that students just adore! Andrew deeply desires to have freckles like Nicky his classmate. He is determined that he would live an easier life if he had freckles too. Another classmate, Sharon, notices how desperate he is acting to get them. So she tells him that she has a recipe for freckle juice, but he must pay her first. This is a great book to talk about things like wanting what you cannot have, a lesson I feel like we have to discuss quite a bit with elementary schoolers.
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