A podcast to help elementary teachers incorporate more picture books into their school day by using read alouds across the curriculum. Each week, I'll share picture book titles to guide you in your teaching. You'll find practical tips, innovative ideas, and a collection of handpicked picture books perfect for each subject. Get ready to inspire, educate and empower your students with the captivating world of picture books. Happy reading!
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Picture this: It's the first week of school, and you want to create that magical classroom community feeling, but you're drowning in lesson plans, bulletin boards, and endless to-do lists. What if I told you that the perfect picture books could do the heavy lifting for youโbuilding classroom culture, teaching social-emotional skills, and setting thโฆ
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36. Transform Your Read Alouds in the First Month of School
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12:16Picture this: it's October, and your read alouds feel more like classroom management battles than magical learning moments. Students are wiggling, interrupting, and completely checked out during what should be the most engaging part of your day. Sound familiar? The truth is, those October struggles often trace back to what happened (or didn't happeโฆ
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35. Picture Books to Help Students Who are Feeling Worried
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17:38As we inch closer to back-to-school season, you know what's comingโthose first-week jitters, the worried faces in your morning lineup, and yes, that familiar flutter in your own stomach too. What if I told you that ten carefully chosen picture books could transform those anxious moments into powerful teaching opportunities that help your students uโฆ
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34. Maximize Your Read Aloud Selections: Make One Book Do the Work of Three
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11:44Ever feel like you're constantly hunting for new books to teach different subjects, even though your classroom library is already bursting at the seams? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the game-changing strategy that smart teachers use to make one amazing picture book do the work of three. We'll explore how to uncover the hidden crosโฆ
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You know that feeling when you discover a picture book that's so perfect for your classroom that you can hardly contain your excitement? Well, get ready to experience that joy eleven times over because this month's new releases are absolutely incredible. From poetry that turns everyday moments into pure delight to stories that help kids navigate biโฆ
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32. How to Turn Any Picture Book into a Powerful Lesson in Under 10 Minutes
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12:46Ever grabbed a picture book for a lesson only to realize halfway through that it wasn't going to work for what you planned to teach? (Been there!) In this episode, I'm sharing my proven 10-minute framework that will transform how you prepare read alouds forever. No more late-night planning or scrambling for questions while you're reading - just a sโฆ
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31. Picture Books to Teach Asking Questions
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18:47You know that magical moment when a student asks a question that makes you think, "Yes! They're really thinking deeply about this story!" But let's be honestโteaching students HOW to ask meaningful questions during reading can feel like another thing to squeeze into an already packed day. What if I told you there are picture books that naturally spโฆ
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30. The Last-Minute Scramble: Why Teachers Find Themselves Unprepared for Read Alouds (And How to Stop)
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12:33Ever found yourself frantically scanning your bookshelf minutes before a read aloud, grabbing any book you can find while hoping it somehow works for your lesson? You're not alone! In this episode, we dive into why even the most experienced teachers find themselves in this last-minute scramble and how it impacts both your confidence and your studenโฆ
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29. Picture Books to Teach Problem & Solution
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17:54Picture this: it's Sunday night, you're planning for the week ahead, and you need books that actually help your students understand problem and solutionโnot just pretty stories that check the box. You know those moments when you find the perfect book that makes a tricky concept finally click for your students? That's exactly what these 10 picture bโฆ
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Ever find yourself reading a wonderful picture book to your class, only to realize you've forgotten to ask a single question? Or maybe you're constantly second-guessing if you're stopping at the right moments or holding the book the "correct" way? You're not alone! In this episode of The Read Aloud Classroom, I'm pulling back the curtain on somethiโฆ
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You know that moment when you're trying to explain point of view to your students and they stare back at you like you're speaking another language? We've all been there! Teaching this concept can feel tricky, but the right picture books make all the difference. In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing 10 amazing mentor texts that transform point โฆ
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26. Read Aloud Burnout: When Teachers Get Tired of the Same Books (And What to Do About It)
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12:00Are you staring at your bookshelf, dreading the thought of reading "Chrysanthemum" for the hundredth time? That feeling of reluctance when selecting books, the relief when you run out of time for read alouds, or grabbing any random title just to check the boxโthese are all signs of read aloud burnout. In this episode, I share my own experience withโฆ
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Picture this: It's one of those days when your lesson needs the perfect book, but you have zero time to research new titles. That's exactly why I created this month's "First Thursday" episode! I'm sharing 10 incredible new picture books hitting shelves this June that will engage even your most distracted students and fit seamlessly into your busy tโฆ
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24. Creating Home-School Reading Connections That Actually Work
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11:20Are your students leaving their reading skills at the classroom door? In this episode, I break down how to create home-school reading connections that actually work for real families living real lives. Forget complicated reading logs and forced 20-minute sessions that everyone dreads. I'm sharing practical strategies that transform reading at home โฆ
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23. Student Sharing Strategies for an Interactive Read Aloud
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14:13Ever opened a picture book in your classroom only to have a student's enthusiastic but completely off-topic story derail your carefully planned lesson? Or perhaps you've watched the same three hands shoot up while the rest of your class sits silently? In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest challenges teachers face during interactive read alouโฆ
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22. Turn & Talk Strategies for Interactive Read Alouds
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14:11Have you ever asked your students to turn and talk during a read aloud only to watch your carefully planned lesson dissolve into chaos? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into practical turn and talk strategies that actually work in real K-3 classrooms. You'll discover how to transform these short partner discussions from potential managemenโฆ
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Are you worried about your students losing their reading momentum during those long summer months? In this episode, I'll show you how to transform summer reading from a dreaded academic chore into an exciting adventure that keeps the read-aloud magic alive when school's out! I share practical strategies for setting students up for reading success bโฆ
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Are you feeling the end-of-year crunch? With field days, awards ceremonies, and classroom cleanup dominating your schedule, it's easy to let read alouds slide. But these final weeks offer the perfect opportunity to bring meaningful closure to your classroom's reading journey! In this episode, I'll share five types of powerful end-of-year read aloudโฆ
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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 hโฆ
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18. Managing Interruptions During a Read Aloud
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15:37Every teacher knows that feelingโyou'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 โฆ
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17. Keeping Wiggly Students Engaged During a Read Aloud
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16:44We've all been there โ 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 oโฆ
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16. Making Read Alouds Interactive (without losing control)
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21:13Are 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 meaโฆ
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15. Setting the Expectations for the Read Aloud
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16:41Ever 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 olโฆ
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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 discussโฆ
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13. How to Extend Your Read Aloud Lesson | Interactive Read Aloud Series
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12:29You'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 meaningfโฆ
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12. How to Build Engagement During a Read Aloud | Interactive Read Aloud Series
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14:02Picture 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 teโฆ
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11. How to Deliver an Engaging Read Aloud | Interactive Read Aloud Series
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12:47Do 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 aloudsโฆ
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10. How to Choose a Book for a Read Aloud | Interactive Read Aloud Series
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11:32We'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 โ 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 shaโฆ
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9. New Picture Books! March 2025 New Releases
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14:08I 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, findinโฆ
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8. How to Plan a Read Aloud Lesson | Interactive Read Aloud Series
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12:52Have 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 Aloudโฆ
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7. Five Read Aloud Mistakes I Made in My Classroom (and how to fix them!)
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12:17Ever 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 cuโฆ
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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, thesโฆ
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5. Using Read Alouds in those Small Moments of Time
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13:51Do 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 spโฆ
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4. New Picture Books! February 2025 New Releases
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22:44In 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 frienโฆ
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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 โฆ
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As a teacher, you know the power of a great read aloud, but like so many others, you might be struggling with finding time, knowing which questions to ask, or keeping your whole class engaged. After years of sharing book recommendations on YouTube, I realized teachers needed more than just titles - they needed comprehensive support for making read โฆ
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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 episodโฆ
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3. How to Make Read Alouds a Non-Negotiable in the Classroom
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12:23It'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 strugglโฆ
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Get your students pumped for the Super Bowl with these engaging football picture books! This video features a collection of fun and informative reads perfect for sharing with your elementary students. Let's make learning about football exciting and interactive! ๐ FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ FOOTBALL PICTURE BOOKS: - Dino โฆ
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63. Read Aloud Toolkit for Elementary School Teachers
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13:35Struggling to plan your interactive read alouds? The Read Aloud Toolkit is just what you need! Grab these organized binders to help you plan any read aloud lesson in your classroom. ๐ READ ALOUD TOOLKIT (50% off!) ๐ Read Aloud Toolkit on TpT The Read Aloud Toolkit includes: - picture book titles - tips for choosing a book - sample discussion questiโฆ
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It's that time again - the Children's Book Awards for 2025! I'm sharing my predictions for which books might win the Caldecott award this year. I even have a freebie for you to host your own Mock Caldecott award ceremony in your classroom. ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ FREE CALDECOTT ACTIVITY ๐ CALDECOTT PREDICTIONS 2025: - Being Home - Home in a Lunchboxโฆ
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Check out these new picture books released in January 2025! Each of these books make a great read aloud for the classroom. It's hard to choose which January 2025 picture book to read first! ๐ FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ JANUARY PICTURE BOOKS: - All in a Year - Greatness - And, Too, the Fox - Donโt Push the Button - Girls โฆ
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What were the best read aloud books of 2024? Check out all these picture books that were released this year! I'm sharing my favorite read aloud books from 2024. There are some amazing books in this collection! ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB! ๐ FREE BOOK LIST ๐ 2024 FAVORITE PICTURE BOOKS: - Too Much - My Great Big Native Family - A Happy Place - Tricky Chopsโฆ
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59. Picture Books for National Cookie Day
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10:05Get ready to crumble with delight! This video features a collection of scrumptious picture books perfect for celebrating National Cookie Day. These sweet stories are ideal for read-alouds, sparking imaginations and inspiring young readers. Watch to discover titles that will leave your students craving more than just cookies! ๐ช๐ ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUBโฆ
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Check out these new picture books released in December 2024! Each of these books make a great read aloud for the classroom. It's hard to choose which December 2024 picture book to read first! ๐ FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ DECEMBER PICTURE BOOKS: - The Worry Monster - Time for Bed, Old House - Lefty - A Sea of Gold - Will โฆ
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57. NEW to the Book Club! | December 2024
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14:13We are adding some awesome books to the Colorful Apple Book Club this month! Check out these brand new lessons for reading, writing, science, social studies and SEL. I'm sharing how you can use each book in your classroom to teach different lessons. ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB! ๐ FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST ๐ DECEMBER PICTURE BOOKS: - The Polar Expresโฆ
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Fun and silly picture books teaching students how to do something! These make great mentor texts for writing workshop when kids are working on how-to writing pieces. ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ FREE PICTURE BOOK LIST ๐ HOW-TO PICTURE BOOKS: - How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth - How to Catch a Turkey - How to Babysit a Grandpa - How to Catch Santa - How to Maโฆ
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Looking for engaging and meaningful books to share with your students on Veterans Day? This video features a collection of powerful picture books that explore the experiences of veterans and the sacrifices they make. These stories are perfect for sparking thoughtful discussions and helping your students develop a deeper understanding of the importaโฆ
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Check out these new picture books released in November 2024! Each of these books make a great read aloud for the classroom. It's hard to choose which November 2024 picture book to read first! ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB ๐ POSITIVITY PICTURE BOOKS: - Be Careful, Xiao Xin! - Bilalโs Bad Day - Dogs Love Books, Too - Alice in a Winter Wonderland - Cicely Tysoโฆ
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53. NEW to the Book Club! | November 2024
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15:40We are adding some awesome books to the Colorful Apple Book Club this month! Check out these brand new lessons for reading, writing, science, social studies and SEL. I'm sharing how you can use each book in your classroom to teach different lessons. ๐ JOIN THE BOOK CLUB! ๐ FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST ๐ NOVEMBER PICTURE BOOKS: - A Turkey for Thaโฆ
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