My "All-Star" Read-Alouds

As the summer begins, I am brainstorming my next year’s AMAZING classroom components! haha One thing I know without a shadow of a doubt are the read-alouds I will be using with my class. I read many books to my class, but these two are my favorite novels I weave into each school year. They fit nicely with the curriculum and have shown to have quite the impact on my students. Below I have listed both books along with a summary, utilization, and positive effect on students. If you have not already, click on the book and find out how great they are for yourself! If you have read these two before, I would love to hear how you utilize them so that maybe I can tweak my “performance.” 🙂

BOOK ONE: There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar

Summary: A 5th grade bully named Bradley is crying out for friends but does not know how to go about it. He meets a wonderful friend Jeff who helps him meet new people and bring out his best self. He also meets with a counselor Carla that aids in his understanding of healthy relationships with peers. Of course, it has a fairytale ending of a huge turn-around in the main character 🙂

How I utilize the book: This book is all about bullying! Students relate to the main characters and see how the decisions these characters make effect not only themselves, but the classroom and entire school. This works well after any bullying prevention program as the strategies students learn can be applied in brainstorming solutions for the characters. Be prepared to slow down at parts as students “ooh”, “ahh”, and say “gross!” Making predictions daily keeps students engaged and they highly enjoy seeing if their predictions come true! (Here are some instructional materials I use.)

Its positive effect on my students: Bradley’s character brings out the insecure feelings of all students. This book allows students to talk about their own feelings by placing themselves in the role of the characters. This becomes a safe place to discuss social norms and appreciating the differences in others. Students originally hated Bradley for his many antics, but soon realized it was a cry for help. They started to sympathize with the main character and realized they may be judging others just like they had Bradley. Many students began to change their behavior towards other students.

My success story is with our very own class bully. He did not know the strategies for making friends and maintaining relationships with peers. He did not act out as badly as Bradley had in the book, but he sure stuck out in the crowd of a well behaved class. Through reading this book, this particular student began to identify with Bradley, and often said “Hey, Bradley is kinda like me.” As the discussion ensued over the next couple of weeks, this student said, “I’m not like that anymore. I have lots of friends and am nice to people.” Maybe he just needed to see he was not alone, and gained insight from his peer’s discussion. I am so proud to say that this student began the year on a behavior plan and ended the year receiving my “Model Citizen” award for being an outstanding role model to others!

BOOK TWO: War with Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith

Summary: A family of four has to rearrange their living situation to accommodate their grandpa moving in with them. Grandpa has a bad knee and needs to live on the main floor of the house. This leaves one room that he can occupy, and that belongs to the main character Peter. Thus, the beginning of the war as Pete plays tricks on his grandpa to earn back his room. This also has a great ending due to compromise and open communication.

How I utilize the book: Students love to hear how a child their age works through this problem. This book works well with cause-effect thinking maps. Chapters are short and highly engaging because the main character is writing about this event as a classroom assignment. Students beg to hear more! I often have students place themselves in the shoes of the main character to problem solve for him. Wait to read until the students have a strong report built with one another so that they can reflect on some of their own problem solving moments. (Here are some of my instructional materials.)

Its positive effect on my students: Students loved the entertainment found in this book. Many students bought the book to follow along with me! The lesson is learned each year that talking out your problems not only solves the initial problem but also avoids future problems. Students can be heard in disagreements saying, “is that the fair way?” or “what, do I have to wage war on you now too?” Funny yes, but the point is made. PLAY FAIR. RESPECT OTHERS. COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS.

Students of all my classes combined have loved these two books. They are tried and true for hooking a young reader and being relatable to their feelings and experiences. I highly recommend these books for grades 2-5. K-1 and MS or HS please feel free to use but in a way that works best for your students.

What are the read-alouds you utilize each year?

What effect do they have on your students?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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