The Read Aloud Classroom

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 time even more magical.In today's episode, I'm walking you through all the amazing new picture books being released in March 2025.  I've found books that will add sparkle to your lessons across every subject area. Whether you're looking to enhance your science curriculum, celebrate diverse cultures, or build those essential social-emotional skills, these carefully selected titles will help you make the most of your read aloud time while keeping your students completely engaged.Click here to see all the books! 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.

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 actually work (without spending hours of your precious time).Join me as we dive into exactly how to plan meaningful read alouds that engage your students AND meet your teaching goals. I'll share my favorite time-saving planning trick (hello, sticky notes!), walk you through my step-by-step planning process, and show you exactly how I plan real read alouds for my own classroom. This episode is packed with practical tips you can start using tomorrow, whether you're brand new to interactive read alouds or looking to make your current practice even stronger. Get ready to transform your read alouds from good to great!🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs 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 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 scattered.In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest read aloud mistakes I made (and exactly how I fixed them). You'll learn practical strategies for making your read alouds more meaningful without adding to your already full plate. Because once I identified these common mistakes and found simple solutions, everything changed - and I know it can for you too! 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.

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 needs.Whether you're looking to plan a full week of celebrations or just want to add one special moment to your reading routine, you'll find ideas that you can implement right away. Plus, I'm sharing my free Guest Reader Resource Pack to make planning even easier! Join me as we explore how to create memorable reading experiences that will have your students buzzing with excitement about books.Free Guest Reader Forms 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 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 be transformed into powerful reading experiences.In this episode, I'm sharing how to make the most of those transition times - you know, those moments right after recess, before lunch, or during end-of-day pack-up. Instead of watching chaos unfold, learn how to create calm, engaging read aloud moments that nurture a love of reading. I'll walk you through creating your collection of "pocket-sized stories," establishing simple routines, and share my favorite short books that pack a punch. Because sometimes the most meaningful teaching moments happen when we're not trying to teach at all. 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.

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 books will help you build an engaging, diverse classroom library that supports your teaching goals across all subject areas. Whether you're looking for books to teach science concepts, explore cultural celebrations, or develop social-emotional skills, I've got you covered.Click here to see all the books! 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 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 an amazing classroom library without breaking the bank. From maximizing your local library's resources and uncovering hidden gems at book sales, to connecting with colleagues and using creative solutions like Scholastic points - I'll walk you through practical strategies that have helped me create a rich collection of read alouds. After years in the classroom and talking with thousands of teachers, I know the struggle of wanting to share amazing books with our students while staying within our budget. Join me to discover how you can transform your read aloud collection without emptying your wallet. 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.

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 making read alouds truly non-negotiable in your classroom - without adding more to your already full plate. You'll learn how to transform read alouds into powerful multi-purpose teaching tools, find the perfect time slot that works for your unique schedule, and create simple systems to protect your read aloud time. Plus, I'll show you exactly how to document learning during read alouds to satisfy those administrative requirements. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical, actionable steps to ensure your read alouds happen every single day, no matter what challenges come your way. 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.

Discover the transformative power of read alouds in education! The host discusses practical strategies to engage students and overcome common teaching challenges. Learn how picture books can strengthen connections in the classroom. Plus, explore a selection of fun Groundhog Day books and a special giveaway to enhance community involvement. It's a call to make read alouds an essential and impactful part of learning, turning them into memorable experiences for both teachers and students!

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 makeover! Welcome to The Read Aloud Classroom, where we're diving deeper than just book recommendations. Each week, I'll be sharing practical strategies, time-saving tips, and classroom-tested techniques to help you create meaningful, engaging read alouds that fit into your busy day. Whether you're struggling with classroom management during story time, searching for ways to make your lessons more intentional, or looking to integrate read alouds across your curriculum, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your read aloud routine. Let's make those magical reading moments a reality in your classroom! 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.