I always schedule reading right after lunch. I love this time of the day. The students settle in from recess and lunch and just enjoy a book. What a great way to set the tone for the afternoon. Sometimes we read picture books and other times we read chapter books.
I read all kinds of books during read aloud.
I read favorites, like Mo Willems or Pete the Cat.
I read books I used for teaching but now want the kids to enjoy, like Surprising Sharks by Nicola Davies, The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli, or This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen.
I read books that make us think like Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie de Paola orThose Shoes by Maribeth Boelts.
I reread old favorites like Mrs. Wishy-Washy by Joy Cowley or In a Dark, Dark Wood.
I love this time because I get to do one of my favorite things -READ and I get to share my love of reading. There are no activities to do afterwards, just talk and share what we thought about the book, the characters, the plot, etc.
During this time, I frequently read chapter books. I am quite picky about the chapter books I read and want to share a wide variety of books.
Here are some of my tried and true favorites.
Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate diCamillo
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett {I read the entire trilogy to my firsties}
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate diCamillo
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Junie B, First Grader, Cheater Pants by Barbara Park
The 100 Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Check out some of these books this summer. You may find a new favorite for your class!
If you know of any other great first grade books for read aloud, please share in the comments!!
