The Read Aloud Classroom

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 alou...

Picture this: It's the third week of school and you're already feeling like a broken record, reminding students about the same expectations over and over again. What if I told you there's a way to teach classroom rules that actually sticks—and it involves some of your favorite picture books? In this episode, I'm sharing the game-changing strategy that transforms rule-setting from repetitive reminders into engagi...

Ready to transform your story elements instruction without adding one more thing to your already packed teaching day? 

Imagine your students eagerly identifying characters, settings, and problems while you read aloud—no separate worksheet time needed! In this episode, I'm sharing 10 incredible picture book mentor texts that make teaching story elements feel natural and engaging for grades K-3.

From Jeremy's shoe dilemma in ...

September is here, which means you're probably knee-deep in classroom setup, getting to know your new students, and trying to figure out how to fit everything into your packed teaching schedule. But what if I told you that this month's new picture book releases are going to make your lesson planning a whole lot easier—and way more exciting? From civil rights history that comes alive through Sam Cooke's legendary anth...

You know that feeling when you're trying to read aloud to your class and it feels like you're competing with twenty different side conversations? Or when you ask a question and three students blurt out answers before you've even finished speaking? We've all been there, and the good news is that picture books can transform those chaotic read aloud moments into meaningful learning experiences. Whether you're ...

Picture this: You're preparing for a new school year, dreaming of that magical classroom community where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. But between lesson planning, room setup, and all those back-to-school tasks, actually building that community can feel overwhelming. Here's what I know—you already have one of the most powerful community-building tools right at your fingertips: picture books. And whether...

Get ready to fall in love with reading all over again! This month's new releases are absolutely incredible, and I'm practically bursting with excitement to share them with you. From a grumpy ghost who learns about friendship to a blind astronomer who literally hears the stars, these 13 brand-new picture books are going to transform your read aloud game. Whether you need something to spark deep conversations about strength...

Picture this: It's the second week of school, and you're frantically grabbing random books off your shelf, hoping they'll somehow connect to what you're supposed to be teaching. Sound familiar? What if I told you that just a few hours of intentional planning this summer could transform your entire year of read alouds into purposeful, curriculum-connected teaching moments that actually make your job easier?

In thi...

Tired of scrambling to find the perfect books for those crucial first weeks of school? We all know how overwhelming it can be to build classroom community, establish routines, and create that magical safe space where every student can thrive—all while juggling twenty-something little humans who are still figuring out where they belong! That's exactly why I've curated this collection of ten tried-and-true picture books tha...

Ever found yourself scrambling to find the perfect book for your read aloud, only to realize halfway through that it doesn't teach what you intended? Or finished reading without asking a single meaningful question? In this episode, I dive into the three biggest challenges teachers face with read alouds: finding time in packed schedules, organizing books effectively, and knowing which questions to ask. These struggles are real,...

Picture this: It's the first week of school, and you want to create that magical classroom community feeling, but you're drowning in lesson plans, bulletin boards, and endless to-do lists. What if I told you that the perfect picture books could do the heavy lifting for you—building classroom culture, teaching social-emotional skills, and setting the tone for an amazing year, all while giving you those precious read-aloud ...

Picture this: it's October, and your read alouds feel more like classroom management battles than magical learning moments. Students are wiggling, interrupting, and completely checked out during what should be the most engaging part of your day. Sound familiar? The truth is, those October struggles often trace back to what happened (or didn't happen) during those crucial first weeks of school. The routines you establish i...

As we inch closer to back-to-school season, you know what's coming—those first-week jitters, the worried faces in your morning lineup, and yes, that familiar flutter in your own stomach too. What if I told you that ten carefully chosen picture books could transform those anxious moments into powerful teaching opportunities that help your students understand and manage their big feelings?

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing ...

Ever feel like you're constantly hunting for new books to teach different subjects, even though your classroom library is already bursting at the seams? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the game-changing strategy that smart teachers use to make one amazing picture book do the work of three. We'll explore how to uncover the hidden cross-curricular potential in books you already own and love, saving ...

You know that feeling when you discover a picture book that's so perfect for your classroom that you can hardly contain your excitement? Well, get ready to experience that joy eleven times over because this month's new releases are absolutely incredible. From poetry that turns everyday moments into pure delight to stories that help kids navigate big emotions with confidence, these fresh picture books are bursting with rea...

Ever grabbed a picture book for a lesson only to realize halfway through that it wasn't going to work for what you planned to teach? (Been there!) In this episode, I'm sharing my proven 10-minute framework that will transform how you prepare read alouds forever. No more late-night planning or scrambling for questions while you're reading - just a simple, repeatable process that works with ANY picture book in your cla...

You know that magical moment when a student asks a question that makes you think, "Yes! They're really thinking deeply about this story!" But let's be honest—teaching students HOW to ask meaningful questions during reading can feel like another thing to squeeze into an already packed day. What if I told you there are picture books that naturally spark curiosity and make questioning feel effortless? In this summe...

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...