The Read Aloud Classroom

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 teaching day (because who has time to figure that out on their own?).Whether you're looking for books that teach emotional intelligence, celebrate cultural traditions, or simply bring joy to your read aloud time, this episode has you covered. I break down each title with teaching insights you won't find in the publisher's description. Listen now to discover your next classroom favorite, and don't forget to check out the book cover photos on thecolorfulapple.com to see which ones catch your eye!📚 Books in this Episode:Noah and His WagonBannock in a HammockBear Feels SadCircus of ShadowsGoodbye Spring, Hello SummerHurricaneMe and LavenderPiet Cools OffSea in My CellsSo Many YearsThe Gathering TableThe Traveling TacoThe Vase with the Golden CracksWhere are You, Bronte?You Be TeacherEverything’s WrongWish in a Tree📚 Click here to see all the books!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie) 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.

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 alouds: managing those inevitable interruptions.I'll share practical, classroom-tested strategies for handling both student disruptions and external interruptions without losing the flow of your lesson. You'll discover how to set clear expectations, use visual cues for individual redirection, create systems for appropriate participation, and implement quick re-engagement techniques to bring students back after any interruption. If you've ever felt frustrated when your carefully planned read aloud gets derailed, this episode will give you the tools to maintain the magic—even when things don't go according to plan.🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs📝 Read the 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.

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 magical read aloud moments are still possible, even with your most energetic students!In this episode, I'm sharing practical, immediately applicable strategies to transform your read aloud time. You'll learn about strategic seating arrangements, building listening stamina, when to use fidgets appropriately, and simple engagement techniques that won't disrupt your story flow. Whether you're struggling with one particularly active student or an entire class that can't seem to sit still, these teacher-tested approaches will help you reclaim the joy and power of read alouds in your classroom.🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs📝 Read the 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.

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, focused learning environment.I'm sharing four powerful interactive strategies you can implement immediately—turn and talk, act it out, stop and jot/draw, and hand signals—along with specific management tips for each one. You'll learn the art of smooth transitions, how to prepare effectively, and how to choose the right books for interactive success. Whether you're just starting with interactive read alouds or looking to refine your approach, this episode gives you actionable steps to transform read aloud time into the most magical part of your day (without the chaos!).🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs📝 Read the 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.

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 like in YOUR classroom.I'll walk you through the four essential categories of read aloud expectations to establish, practical strategies for teaching them effectively, and how to reinforce them throughout the year. Whether you're starting fresh or need a mid-year reset, you'll leave with specific action steps to implement immediately. The time you invest in teaching these expectations now will save you countless hours of redirections later and create the engaging, meaningful read aloud experience your students deserve.🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom NeedsRead the 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.

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 the world.Join me as I dive into each book's storyline and share specific teaching points that will help you maximize these read-alouds across your curriculum. Whether you're looking for stories to support SEL discussions, science connections, or just pure reading enjoyment, these April releases deserve a spot in your classroom library. I'll help you decide which ones align best with your teaching goals so you can plan ahead without spending hours researching on your own. Don't miss this monthly roundup to keep your read-alouds fresh and engaging!📚 Click here to see all the books!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie) 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.

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 precious post-reading moments, this episode is for you!Join me as we explore practical strategies for extending your read aloud, from powerful discussion techniques to manageable extension activities that won't eat up your entire day. I'm sharing my favorite tips for making post-reading time both meaningful and manageable, even with a packed schedule. You'll learn how to lead rich discussions, check for understanding, and create purposeful activities that reinforce learning without feeling like busy work. Don't miss this final piece of the interactive read aloud puzzle!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs Click here to join the FREE workshop!The 'Organize Your Read Alouds' workshop is a free 5-day training that helps elementary teachers create a complete system for fitting meaningful read-alouds into any schedule, selecting the perfect books for each comprehension strategy, and asking questions that truly develop students' thinking skills. 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 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.Together, we'll explore practical strategies you can start using tomorrow to get every student involved - not just your hand-raisers. From turn-and-talk techniques that actually work to simple signals that keep your lesson flowing smoothly, you'll discover how to create those magical read aloud moments where every student is thinking deeply and can't wait to share their ideas. We'll also talk about how to handle common challenges like absent partners and interruptions, plus my favorite tips for establishing routines that set you up for read aloud success. If you've been wanting to make your read alouds more interactive without losing control of your lesson, this episode is for you!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs Click here to join the FREE workshop!The 'Organize Your Read Alouds' workshop is a free 5-day training that helps elementary teachers create a complete system for fitting meaningful read-alouds into any schedule, selecting the perfect books for each comprehension strategy, and asking questions that truly develop students' thinking skills. 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.

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 Aloud series where we'll dive into exactly how to bring stories to life in your classroom. You'll learn practical tips for setting up your space, managing student discussions, and delivering read alouds that keep your students engaged (even those wiggly ones!). I'll share my favorite sticky note strategy that has transformed my read alouds, plus tips for supporting English language learners and hesitant speakers. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to refresh your read aloud routine, this episode will help you deliver read alouds that both you and your students will love.🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs Click here to join the FREE workshop!The 'Organize Your Read Alouds' workshop is a free 5-day training that helps elementary teachers create a complete system for fitting meaningful read-alouds into any schedule, selecting the perfect books for each comprehension strategy, and asking questions that truly develop students' thinking skills. 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 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 perfect book for your interactive read aloud, including five essential questions that will transform how you choose books for your classroom.This is episode two in our special series on mastering interactive read alouds. We'll explore how to choose books that not only engage your students but also maximize your teaching time. From considering your students' listening level to finding books with rich vocabulary and meaningful connections to your curriculum, you'll learn exactly what to look for when selecting books for your read alouds. Don't miss this episode that will help you choose books with confidence and purpose.🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs Click here to join the FREE workshop!The 'Organize Your Read Alouds' workshop is a free 5-day training that helps elementary teachers create a complete system for fitting meaningful read-alouds into any schedule, selecting the perfect books for each comprehension strategy, and asking questions that truly develop students' thinking skills. 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.