The Read Aloud Classroom

I've been working on something since January that I can't WAIT to share with you! If you love discovering brand new picture books (and I know you do - those are always my most popular episodes), then you're going to be so excited about the 2025 Read Aloud Guide. It's a comprehensive resource featuring over 100 brand new picture books from 2025, all personally vetted by me, with teaching applications for each one. But more than telling you what it is, I want to share WHY I created it and how I think it's going to transform your read aloud planning.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the entire process - from reading over 300 books to shuffling index cards on my floor to organize them into categories. I'll share what makes brand new books so powerful for students, the problem this guide solves for busy teachers, and the two most important things you'll get from using it. Whether you're tired of using the same books year after year or you just want to feel more confident in your book choices, this episode is for you. The guide launches December 1st, and I hope you'll join me in bringing more excitement and fresh content to your read alouds this year!💙 Get the 2025 Read Aloud Guide here! (on December 1st) 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.

Looking for an easy way to add some reading magic to November while building your students' knowledge across subjects? Welcome to KNOW-vember! This episode is all about celebrating nonfiction picture books – those powerful tools that help students build background knowledge, strengthen information literacy, and explore their personal interests in science, history, and the world around them. Plus, nonfiction is a game-changer for students who just aren't connecting with fiction but light up when reading about real things, real people, and real animals.In this episode, I'm sharing 10 incredible nonfiction picture books perfect for your K-3 classroom – from inspiring biographies like I Am Ruby Bridges and The Oldest Student, to fascinating science titles like Give Bees a Chance and The Moon Book, to engaging social studies reads like One Plastic Bag and Let's Celebrate! Best part? Every single book has a corresponding lesson plan waiting for you in the Colorful Apple Book Club membership, so you can grab it and go with zero extra prep time. Let's dive in and make November a month of discovering, exploring, and learning!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:I am Ruby BridgesRecess at 20 BelowNature’s Patchwork QuiltOne Plastic BagGive Bees a ChanceBe a KingThe Oldest StudentThe Moon BookJoan Proctor, Dragon DoctorLet’s Celebrate 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.

Need some giggles in your classroom this November? Turkey picture books are about to become your secret weapon for keeping students engaged while still teaching those important comprehension skills! From turkeys in disguise to clever birds outsmarting farmers, these stories bring the perfect blend of silly and meaningful to your read aloud time.In this episode, I'm sharing 8 turkey picture books that will have your students laughing, predicting, and making connections—without you spending your whole weekend planning. We'll explore books perfect for teaching everything from character traits to problem and solution, plus I'll share why these stories work so well during this busy time of year. Let's make November reading fun again!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!📬 Book of the Week email💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:A Turkey for ThanksgivingTurkey TroubleHow to Catch a TurkeyA Plump and Perky TurkeyTurk and RuntGobble GobbleToo Many TurkeysThe Great Turkey Race 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.

Tired of scrolling endlessly through book lists trying to find the perfect read alouds for your classroom? Let me do the heavy lifting for you! In this month's new picture book roundup, I'm sharing seven amazing releases that are going to make your students light up—from hilarious tales about impatient kids with hiccups to heartwarming stories about family traditions and cozy winter adventures. Whether you need a book to teach patience, celebrate cultural heritage, or just bring some laughter into your classroom, I've got you covered.In this episode, we're diving into brand new releases including the latest from fan favorites like Drew Daywalt, Jory John, and Jan Brett, plus discovering some incredible new voices. I'll share what each book is about and why your students will love them—no note-taking required since everything is linked in the show notes! Plus, I'm sharing how you can save your weekends with my Book of the Week email that plans your Monday read aloud for you. Grab your coffee and let's explore these treasures together!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!📬 Book of the Week email💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:A Cure for the HiccupsGoodnight CrayonsThe Humble PieThe Old SleighThe Snowball FightThe Christmas SweaterA Knot is Not a TangleA Quick Trip to the Store 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.

Here's the truth: Indigenous voices deserve to be celebrated in our classrooms every single day, not just in November. With 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States, each with their own unique cultures and traditions, there's a whole world of incredible stories we should be sharing with our students year-round. These books help all our students see beyond a narrow Euro-centric viewpoint, and for Native American children, seeing themselves represented positively is incredibly empowering.In this episode, I'm sharing nine beautiful picture books written by Native American authors that you can read with your students any time of year. From environmental activism and cultural celebrations to identity, dance, and finding our gifts in the natural world, these books offer rich, important perspectives that belong on your classroom bookshelf. I'll share the title, author, and what makes each book special—plus a reminder that change really can begin on your bookshelf. Let's celebrate Indigenous authors and stories together!📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!📬 Book of the Week email💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)📚 Books in this Episode:We are Water ProtectorsFry BreadWe are Still HereRaven’s RibbonsThe Gift of the Great BuffaloI HopeBowwow PowwowFinding My DanceBud Finds Her Gift 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.

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.