The Read Aloud Classroom

Ever found yourself frantically scanning your bookshelf minutes before a read aloud, grabbing any book you can find while hoping it somehow works for your lesson? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into why even the most experienced teachers find themselves in this last-minute scramble and how it impacts both your confidence and your students' learning experience. I share my own embarrassing story of choosing the ...

Picture this: it's Sunday night, you're planning for the week ahead, and you need books that actually help your students understand problem and solution—not just pretty stories that check the box. You know those moments when you find the perfect book that makes a tricky concept finally click for your students? That's exactly what these 10 picture books will do for teaching problem and solution in your classroom.

In th...

Ever find yourself reading a wonderful picture book to your class, only to realize you've forgotten to ask a single question? Or maybe you're constantly second-guessing if you're stopping at the right moments or holding the book the "correct" way? You're not alone! In this episode of The Read Aloud Classroom, I'm pulling back the curtain on something many teachers struggle with but rarely discuss:...

You know that moment when you're trying to explain point of view to your students and they stare back at you like you're speaking another language? We've all been there! Teaching this concept can feel tricky, but the right picture books make all the difference. In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing 10 amazing mentor texts that transform point of view from confusing to "aha!" - including books that...

Are you staring at your bookshelf, dreading the thought of reading "Chrysanthemum" for the hundredth time? That feeling of reluctance when selecting books, the relief when you run out of time for read alouds, or grabbing any random title just to check the box—these are all signs of read aloud burnout. In this episode, I share my own experience with this common teacher struggle and explain why even the most dedicated liter...

Picture this: It's one of those days when your lesson needs the perfect book, but you have zero time to research new titles. That's exactly why I created this month's "First Thursday" episode! I'm sharing 10 incredible new picture books hitting shelves this June that will engage even your most distracted students and fit seamlessly into your busy teaching day.

From Drew Daywalt's newest crayon adve...

Are your students leaving their reading skills at the classroom door? In this episode, I break down how to create home-school reading connections that actually work for real families living real lives. Forget complicated reading logs and forced 20-minute sessions that everyone dreads. I'm sharing practical strategies that transform reading at home from a chore into a natural, enjoyable part of family life.

Discover how to commu...

Ever opened a picture book in your classroom only to have a student's enthusiastic but completely off-topic story derail your carefully planned lesson? Or perhaps you've watched the same three hands shoot up while the rest of your class sits silently? In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges teachers face during interactive read alouds: managing student sharing without losing instructional focus or precious...

Have you ever asked your students to turn and talk during a read aloud only to watch your carefully planned lesson dissolve into chaos? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into practical turn and talk strategies that actually work in real K-3 classrooms. You'll discover how to transform these short partner discussions from potential management nightmares into powerful tools for engagement.

I'll walk you through ...

Are you worried about your students losing their reading momentum during those long summer months? In this episode, I'll show you how to transform summer reading from a dreaded academic chore into an exciting adventure that keeps the read-aloud magic alive when school's out! I share practical strategies for setting students up for reading success before they leave your classroom, plus creative ideas families will actually...

Are you feeling the end-of-year crunch? With field days, awards ceremonies, and classroom cleanup dominating your schedule, it's easy to let read alouds slide. But these final weeks offer the perfect opportunity to bring meaningful closure to your classroom's reading journey! In this episode, I'll share five types of powerful end-of-year read alouds with specific book recommendations for each category, plus simple ac...

Need a fresh infusion of picture books for your classroom? In this month's new releases roundup, I'm sharing 16 incredible picture books that just hit the shelves! From heartwarming friendship stories like "Noah and His Wagon" to STEM explorations in "Hurricane" and "Sea in My Cells," there's something for every classroom need. I'll even tell you how each book might fit into your te...

Every teacher knows that feeling—you're in the middle of a captivating read aloud, your students are fully engaged in the story, and then it happens. A student shouts out, the intercom blares, or there's a knock at your classroom door. Just like that, the magical moment is broken, and getting everyone back on track feels nearly impossible. In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges teachers face during read a...

We've all been there – you're in the middle of reading that perfect picture book, and suddenly you notice Jimmy rolling around, Sarah playing with her shoelaces, and half your class looking everywhere but at you. In today's world of constant stimulation and shorter attention spans, keeping wiggly students engaged during read alouds has become one of our biggest classroom challenges. But don't worry – those magic...

Are your read alouds feeling a bit... boring? Or maybe you've tried to make them more interactive only to end up with chaos and confusion? In this episode, I'm tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers share with me: making read alouds truly interactive without losing classroom control. I'll show you exactly how to engage your students in meaningful ways that deepen comprehension while maintaining a calm, focus...

Ever picked up a book for a quick read aloud only to spend more time managing interruptions than actually reading? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into why setting clear read aloud expectations is the foundation that transforms this daily ritual from chaotic to magical. I'll share my own fifth-grade teaching mistake that taught me even older students need explicit instruction on what read aloud time should look ...

Looking for fresh new stories to spark your students' imagination this spring? In this episode, I'm sharing twelve brand-new picture books hitting shelves in April 2025 that are perfect for your classroom! From Jacques the underwear-loving hedgehog to a tiny hummingbird making a big difference, these stories offer wonderful opportunities to discuss identity, friendship, environmental stewardship, and finding your place in...

You've mastered choosing the perfect book, planned an amazing lesson, and delivered an engaging read aloud... but now what? In this final episode of our Interactive Read Aloud series, we're tackling one of the most common questions I hear from teachers: what do we do after we close the book? If you've ever felt stuck trying to come up with meaningful extension activities or wondered how to make the most of those prec...

Picture this: You're in the middle of what you thought would be an amazing read aloud, but half your class is sliding down to the floor, three students are poking each other, and only your usual eager participants are actually engaged. Sound familiar? In Episode 4 of our Interactive Read Aloud series, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers face: keeping students meaningfully engaged during read alouds.

Toget...