Looking for some back to school read alouds?!
I discovered these titles when my students were chatty, my classroom management needed a refresh and my little kiddos needed something with visuals and that were relate-able to their age! Now, I read these at the start of school and implement the strategies that align with them right from the start! In my experience, I have learned that literature is the best way to introduce classroom management strategies. Later in the year when my kiddos need something new again, I will re-read the stories and have even more in depth conversations. You can find these read alouds in my amazon store here!
Back to School Read Alouds:
- Lacy Walker, Non Stop Talker by Christianne C. Jones
A read aloud is for those chatty kiddos! Many little ones do not truly understand this concept because it is a big concept to absorb. Yet, this story is a quick reminder “You are being a Lacy Walker, why don’t we pause for a minute.” It is a wonderful strategy to teach them how to listen to others and work on communication skills. Referencing stories is a quick strategy that they can relate to!
Activity to follow: Have the children make owl masks and discuss ways to prevent being a “Non Stop Talker.”
2. My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook
The title says it all! Blurting! I think the kiddos have so much fun reading this silly story and can understand the concept being talked about! I enjoy using Julia Cook titles for MANY social/emotional skills. My kinders would have thoughts that would build and build and build and then ERUPT, when it may not be the most appropriate time. Others would get frustrated when they interrupted each other, but they didn’t realize that they all had a little “volcano mouth” in them. Strategy reminder: “Did you hear____talking? Did your mouth erupt like a volcano? Let’s wait a minute to share by raising our hand.” It is so important to use quick reminders that they understand and can visualize.
Activity to follow: Make mini posters with the children. Take their picture and insert a volcano at their mouth, like the cover of the story. Have them sign the poster and pledge, “not to be a volcano mouth.” They feel pride signing their name and laugh when they see the silly poster hung in the classroom!
Read Alouds continued…
3. Decibella and Her 6-inch Voice by Julia Cook
5 and 6 year-olds are unable to hear the “size” of their voice when speaking. It is a developmental skill that takes practice and time. Julia Cook includes excellent visuals in this story! It is also really fun to read aloud because you can be very animated! Strategy reminder: “Are you being a Decibella? What voice level should we use right now?” We read this several times towards the middle and end of the year and the students also began reminding each other about when to use our “inside and outside” voices.
Activity to follow: Create an anchor chart with visuals for all “6 levels of the voice” described in the story. List places and/or times when each voice level can be used. I also had the students draw pictures of the places next to them for another visual cue!
4. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
I think the title hints at the skill I try and teach with this story! SHARING! This story sparks a conversation about using our sharing manners; “Please” and “thank you.” We talk about different things we will need to share in the classroom, how to share the items and why it is important to be patient when waiting.
Activity to follow: The activity I use following this read aloud was found here by Laura from A Sunny Day Family! We play this game several times throughout the week!
I hope you enjoy these read alouds! I am constantly adding to my classroom management literature selection. If you have titles you enjoy, please leave them in the comments below!
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