The Read Aloud Classroom

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...

Do you ever feel like you're second-guessing yourself during read alouds? From managing interruptions to wondering if you're asking the right questions at the right time, delivering a read aloud can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! In this episode, I'm sharing my tried-and-true strategies for delivering engaging interactive read alouds with confidence.

Join me for episode four of our Interactive Read...

We've all been there - standing in front of our classroom library, staring at hundreds of books, wondering which one to choose for tomorrow's read aloud. Maybe you've even done what I've done – grabbed a book off the shelf at the last minute, only to realize halfway through that it just wasn't the right fit for your lesson. In this episode, I'm sharing my tried-and-true process for selecting the perfec...

I am so excited to bring back one of my favorite features - sharing brand new picture books that are coming soon to a classroom library near you! As a teacher, there was nothing better than introducing my students to fresh, engaging stories that would light up their faces and spark their curiosity. Now, I love doing the book-hunting for you, finding those perfect reads that will make your students' eyes shine and your teaching...

Have you ever gotten to the end of a read aloud and realized you completely forgot to teach anything? Or maybe you've found yourself scrambling to come up with questions while trying to hold the book, manage your class, AND remember what you wanted to teach? Trust me, friend - I've been there too! In this first episode of our Interactive Read Aloud series, I'm sharing my simple framework for planning read alouds that...

Ever find yourself frantically searching for the perfect book minutes before your students arrive? We've all been there! I remember grabbing "You Matter" by Christian Robinson for a story elements lesson, only to realize halfway through there weren't any story elements to teach. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and fitting in required curriculum, it's no wonder our read alouds sometimes feel scat...

As teachers, we dream of creating magical reading moments in our classrooms, but let's be honest - finding time for "one more thing" can feel impossible! In this episode, I'm sharing 10 practical ways to celebrate Read Aloud Week that won't add hours to your already packed schedule. From mystery readers and book tastings to simple themed days, these ideas can be adapted to fit your classroom's unique n...

Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time in the day for read alouds? You're juggling a packed schedule, trying to fit in all your required curriculum, and those magical reading moments seem to slip away. 

I hear from teachers all the time about their struggle to incorporate more read alouds, especially when they only have 5-7 minutes to spare. But here's the thing - those small pockets of time can ...

In this episode, I'm sharing my curated list of brand new picture books being released in February 2025. I know how hard it can be to stay on top of new releases while juggling all your other teaching responsibilities, so I've done the research for you. 

From Brad Meltzer's latest "I Am" biography about Sally Ride to heartwarming stories about friendship and inclusion, these carefully selected book...

Picture books are magical, but let's be honest - sometimes getting through a read aloud feels more chaotic than magical, doesn't it? Between managing wiggly students, finding the perfect questions to ask, and trying to squeeze it all into your already packed schedule, read alouds can feel overwhelming. 

That's exactly why I'm so excited to announce that Unlock the Power of Picture Books is getting a mak...

As a teacher, you know the power of a great read aloud, but like so many others, you might be struggling with finding time, knowing which questions to ask, or keeping your whole class engaged. After years of sharing book recommendations on YouTube, I realized teachers needed more than just titles - they needed comprehensive support for making read alouds work in today's challenging classroom environment.

That's why I creat...

Picture this - you're walking through Barnes & Noble, dreaming of building your classroom library, when those price tags stop you in your tracks. $18.99, $21.99, $24.99 per book! If you're like me, you quickly realize that creating that dream read aloud collection could empty your bank account. But don't worry - I've got you covered.

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite budget-friendly ways to build ...

It's late afternoon, and that familiar wave of guilt washes over you as you realize - you haven't done your read aloud today. Again. Between administrative demands, packed schedules, and constant interruptions, it feels impossible to protect that precious read aloud time. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone in this daily struggle.

In this episode, I'm sharing my proven strategies for maki...

Get your students pumped for the Super Bowl with these engaging football picture books! This video features a collection of fun and informative reads perfect for sharing with your elementary students. Let's make learning about football exciting and interactive!

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📚 FOOTBALL PICTURE BOOKS:
- Dino Football
- I Told You I Can Play<...

Struggling to plan your interactive read alouds? The Read Aloud Toolkit is just what you need!  Grab these organized binders to help you plan any read aloud lesson in your classroom.

📚 READ ALOUD TOOLKIT (50% off!)

📚 Read Aloud Toolkit on TpT

The Read Aloud Toolkit includes:
- picture book titles
- tips for choosing a book
- sample discussion questions
- anchor charts
- graphic organ...

It's that time again - the Children's Book Awards for 2025!  I'm sharing my predictions for which books might win the Caldecott award this year.  I even have a freebie for you to host your own Mock Caldecott award ceremony in your classroom.

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🌟 FREE CALDECOTT ACTIVITY

📚 CALDECOTT PREDICTIONS 2025:
- Being Home
- Home in a Lunchbox
- Joyful Song
- Touch...

Check out these new picture books released in January 2025!  Each of these books make a great read aloud for the classroom.  It's hard to choose which January 2025 picture book to read first!

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📚 JANUARY PICTURE BOOKS:
- All in a Year
- Greatness
- And, Too, the Fox
- Don’t Push the Button
- Girls on the Rise
- Mai’s ...

What were the best read aloud books of 2024?  Check out all these picture books that were released this year!  I'm sharing my favorite read aloud books from 2024.  There are some amazing books in this collection!

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📚 2024 FAVORITE PICTURE BOOKS:
- Too Much - My Great Big Native Family
- A Happy Place
- Tricky Chopsticks
- Aloha Everything
- ...

Get ready to crumble with delight! This video features a collection of scrumptious picture books perfect for celebrating National Cookie Day. These sweet stories are ideal for read-alouds, sparking imaginations and inspiring young readers. Watch to discover titles that will leave your students craving more than just cookies! 🍪📚

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📚 COOKIE PICT...