The important part about read alouds is that they are planned. They are not something we grab off the shelf on the way in the classroom. Read Alouds offer a way to tie in your other subjects. I TRY to do 3-4 read alouds a day.
1 to kick off my reading block
1 math book to kick of my guided math routine
1 chapter book after lunch (just a few pages a day)
1 theme/holiday book
A great interactive read aloud is typically ABOVE your students reading level. This way they are exposed to higher vocabulary and text features. You can use fiction or non fiction books! I like to use a mixture of both!!
I try to use as many cross circular read alouds as I can. I often do not have enough time to spend on social studies or science. So that is the perfect time for me to use a read aloud that hits the skill or topic I’m trying to address. For example, we are learning about Presidents and Famous Americans in social studies. I ALWAYS begin my reading block with a read aloud. Right now I’m using books about Presidents and Famous Americans 🙂
Looking at Lincoln is a great book because it allows children to get to know Lincoln as a person, not just a President. The author provides several unheard of facts and the book is very engaging! It is a MUST have I promise! My kids LOVED this book! We made a nice little anchor chart using the top of Lincoln’s hat {sorry, I accidentally deleted my picture}Y’all know it wasn’t cute anyways bc my hand drawn charts are just awful!!!
We also read “My First Biography: Abraham Lincoln”
Another great book! We compared the two stories and how we learned different facts from each book. The kids loved this!
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George Washington Read Alouds
Read Alouds are a great component to ANY literacy program. If you are not currently using read alouds, I encourage you to think about it. They can be very interactive and a great tool. I am able to hit on so many different areas. Modeling my critical thinking is so easy during a read aloud. Students do not even really look at it as learning, more of a discussion. That’s what is so neat about it. Especially when you use titles and stories that THEY like.

Great suggestions and ideas! I am and always be a supporter of Balanced Literacy!!! Congrats on your passion. Smiles and stop by anytime!!!