The Read Aloud Classroom

Want to spark meaningful conversations about kindness without adding another thing to your already packed schedule? Picture books are your secret weapon! With World Kindness Day coming up on November 13th, this is the perfect time to explore stories that help students understand what kindness really looks like—but honestly, these books work magic any time of year.In this episode, I'm sharing ten beautiful picture books about kindness that'll transform those tricky friendship moments and build genuine empathy in your classroom. From brand new releases to beloved classics, you'll discover stories about inclusion, celebrating differences, handling big emotions, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. I'll give you the title, author, and a helpful synopsis for each book so you can pick the perfect ones for your students. Let's make kindness more than just a buzzword and turn it into everyday action in your classroom!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!📬 Book of the Week email💖 Be Kind lesson plan💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:The Trouble with GiraffesYou Can Sit with MeSincerely, EmersonHana’s Hundreds of HijabsPunch! A Story about KindnessHugoOne Small ThingThe Kindest RedA Small KindnessBe Kind Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

What if I told you that your math lessons could become the highlight of your students' day—without adding a single extra minute to your already packed schedule?In this episode, we're diving into ten incredible picture books that transform abstract math concepts into engaging, memorable experiences your students will actually love. From Greg Tang's clever counting strategies in "The Grapes of Math" to the hilarious number mystery of "7 Ate 9," these aren't just books with numbers—they're powerful tools that make mathematical thinking visual, concrete, and fun.I know you're thinking "But I barely have time for math as it is!" Here's the thing—these picture books aren't taking time away from your instruction. They're making every minute more impactful by giving students story contexts to hang those tricky concepts on. We'll explore books for counting, fractions, place value, division, and more, plus I'll share quick implementation tips to help you seamlessly weave these into your existing math lessons. Get ready to see your students' eyes light up when math time becomes story time!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:The Grapes of MathThe Action of SubtractionThe Grouchy LadybugThe Great DivideMath for All SeasonsOne Hundred Hungry AntsApple FractionsHow Much is a Million?Full House7 Ate 9 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

Picture this: Your students' eyes light up the moment they see you pull out a Halloween picture book, and suddenly even your most reluctant readers are leaning in with anticipation. There's something magical about spooky season that transforms our classrooms, and I'm here to help you make the most of it!In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite new Halloween picture books that'll cast a spell on your students while giving you rich discussion opportunities and meaningful curriculum connections. From tender stories about courage and growing up to hilarious tales of inclusive monster clubs, these mostly brand-new releases offer so much more than seasonal fun. Plus, I'll share how each book can work in your busy classroom and why your students will be begging you to read them again and again. Don't forget to check out episode 47 for even more fall favorites with ready-to-use lesson ideas!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:NightsongThe Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything10 Spooky PumpkinsI Got the Halloween SpiritFright ClubIt’s Almost Time for HalloweenEvelyn Witch Gets a PetGriselda Snooks Spectacular BooksBoo the Library GhostTrick or Treating in the City Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

We've reached episode 50 of The Read Aloud Classroom—and it's my birthday week! To celebrate both milestones, I'm sharing something deeply personal: my top 10 favorite read aloud picture books that have never failed to create magic in my classroom. These aren't just well-written stories; they're the books I reach for again and again because they consistently spark creativity, build classroom community, and remind me why I fell in love with teaching in the first place.From "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" that unleashes incredible student imagination to "The Invisible Boy" that builds empathy like no other book can, each of these favorites has earned its place through countless read aloud sessions. I'll share not just what these books are about, but why each one holds such a special place in my teacher heart—and how they can transform your classroom moments too. Whether you're looking to refresh your read aloud collection or rediscover books that create genuine connections with students, this celebration episode is packed with inspiration for your teaching journey!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:Cloudy with a Chance of MeatballsStrictly No ElephantsAlexanderChrysanthemumThe Snowy DayOur Favorite Day of the YearJabari JumpsAfter the FallBalloons Over BroadwayThe Invisible BoyHow to Read a Story Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

Picture this: you're scrolling through endless book lists online at 10 PM, coffee cup in hand, trying to find that perfect new picture book for next week's lesson—but everything starts to blur together. We've all been there! That's exactly why I created this monthly roundup just for you. In today's episode, I'm sharing the newest picture book releases that caught my attention this month, complete with why each one deserves a spot in your classroom library.From a determined bear who dreams of ballet to a quokka who's tired of being misunderstood, these fresh releases tackle everything from emotional intelligence and cultural celebration to pure adventure and wonder. I'll walk you through each book with the details that matter most to you—how they'll spark discussions, support your curriculum, and create those magical read aloud moments your students will remember. No more late-night research sessions required—just grab your favorite beverage and let me be your personal picture book shopping guide!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📖 Book Images & Links on the Blog📚 Books in this Episode:The Bear Who Wanted to DanceThe Gift of WordsI am Not Happy!I’m Very BusyI’m Going to Eat a Polar BearMoon SongAnd They Walk OnSoup’s On Around the WorldI am the SunThe Quilt of Our Memories Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

Teaching character traits to your K-3 students can feel like trying to explain the invisible—how do you help little ones move beyond just retelling what happens in a story to truly understanding who the characters are on the inside? If you've ever struggled to make this abstract concept click for your students, this episode is exactly what you need! I'm sharing 10 incredible picture books that transform character trait discussions from confusing to engaging, giving you the mentor texts that make these invisible qualities visible and concrete for young learners.In this episode, we'll explore amazing books like "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon," "The Good Egg," "Ada Twist, Scientist," and more—each one carefully chosen because it shows character traits in action rather than just telling us about them. I'll share why each book works so well for character trait instruction, plus my biggest teaching tip that will set your students up for success before you even open the first book. Whether you're looking for books that show character growth, positive traits, or complex emotions, this collection will give you everything you need to help your students become confident character analysts who can support their thinking with text evidence.📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:Stand Tall, Molly Lou MelonGiraffes Can’t DanceThe Good EggThe Recess QueenAda Twist, ScientistAmazing GraceThe Most Magnificent ThingChrysanthemumSylvester and the Magic PebbleNot Norman📝 Show Notes Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

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!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:The StrangerA Turkey for ThanksgivingRoom on the BroomStellalunaI Need My MonsterIn NovemberPumpkin JackGoodbye Summer, Hello AutumnThankfulGustavoSpookleySweepBonaparte Falls Apart📝 Show Notes Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

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 engaging conversations that build genuine classroom community.I'll walk you through seven powerful picture books that do the heavy lifting when it comes to establishing expectations, from "What If Everybody Did That?" for teaching consequences to "Clark the Shark" for impulse control. These aren't just any read alouds—these are the stories that create those magical "aha!" moments where students truly understand the why behind your classroom rules. Plus, I'll share exactly how to use each book to spark meaningful discussions that help your students internalize expectations rather than just memorize them. Trust me, your future self will thank you for adding these community-building gems to your teaching toolkit!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:What If Everybody Did That?Officer Buckle & GloriaInterrupting ChickenDo Unto OttersClark the SharkThe Way I ActWe Don’t Eat Our ClassmatesQuiet Please, Owen McPheeThe Bad SeedMillie Fierce📝 Show Notes Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

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 "Those Shoes" to Lilly's purple plastic purse drama, these books do the heavy lifting for you. I'll walk you through exactly why each story works so well for story elements instruction, giving you the confidence to dive deeper into characters, settings, problems, and solutions with books your students will absolutely love. Plus, you'll discover how these same mentor texts can support multiple reading skills throughout the year—because we know how important it is to maximize every resource in our teaching toolkit!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:The Paper Bag PrincessThe GardenerThose ShoesEnemy PieThe Plot ChickensTops & BottomsThunder CakeLilly’s Purple Plastic PurseHooway for Wodney WatThe Recess Queen📝 Show Notes Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.

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 anthem to STEM adventures with the Magic Cube, these September releases are packed with cross-curricular gold that your students are going to absolutely love.In this episode, I'm sharing 15 brand-new picture books that are hitting shelves this month, each one carefully chosen because I know they'll spark those magical classroom moments we're all chasing. We're talking about books that celebrate cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos and the Moon Festival, stories that tackle important topics like friendship and identity, and even some cozy winter tales that are perfect for read-aloud time. Plus, I'm sharing all the practical ways you can weave these books into your existing curriculum without adding to your already overwhelming to-do list. Grab your coffee and let's dive into September's literary treasures together!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:A Change is Gonna ComeDia de los MuertosThe Echo PeopleHarriet TubmanThe Moon LanternMe and the Magic CubeBrown Girl in the SnowClovis Meets His MatchHank Meets FrankSnow KidThe Trouble with GiraffesWhat Makes YOU Happy?Dasher and the Polar BearA Dragon Called SparkIf I Built a TownA Snow Day for Amos McGee Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!Check out the TpT Store.Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.Keep your teaching colorful,Sara :) The Colorful AppleFull 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.