Read alouds are my favorite time during the school day. I try to fit in at least two (but many days only get to one) every day. It is one of the only the only time when I have all of my kindergarteners in one area, engaged, and actively participating in their learning.
Early on in my teaching career I realized that to maximize this special time I needed two things: to have “command” of the classroom, and to have the best read aloud titles possible. To me, command of the classroom means that all students are listening and participating to the best of their ability, with little to no distractions or side-conversations. And to have the best read alouds, I need to choose books with a purpose, as well as books that are fun for five and six-year-olds to listen to.
In the beginning of the school year, I choose read alouds that open classroom conversations about what it means to learn in a classroom, how to behave at school, how to make and keep friends, how to separate from family members, etc. The following books are those that I keep at the top of my B2S pile:
I love your library! I am moving to K from first this year, and I have been highly discouraged to have all my books out for access like this. Obviously, you allow your students access to all books. Would you mind sharing how you order the books on the shelves? How do you handle student selection and return of books? Thanks!
Hi! I will post about my different classroom libraries soon–I have four different libraries in my classroom! Some are leveled, some are interest-based. Stay tuned! 🙂