Feeling like you're drowning in lesson plans, trying to squeeze reading, science, writing, and social studies into an already packed day? What if I told you that those beautiful fall picture books sitting on your shelf could be your secret weapon for hitting multiple learning objectives without the overwhelm? In today's episode, I'm sharing twelve incredible fall-themed picture books that transform ordinary read alouds into cross-curricular powerhouses—because you shouldn't have to choose between story time and meaningful instruction!
From "The Stranger" by Chris Van Allsburg (perfect for teaching inference skills) to "Pumpkin Jack" by Will Hubbell (amazing for life cycle lessons), each book I'm sharing works double duty in your classroom. We'll explore how these seasonal gems can enhance your reading instruction, spark engaging writing activities, bring science concepts to life, and support social-emotional learning—all while keeping your students completely captivated. Plus, every single book has a ready-made lesson waiting for you in the Colorful Apple Book Club, so you can grab these ideas and run with them tomorrow morning!
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Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)
The Colorful Apple
Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.
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Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.