When it comes to read alouds in elementary classrooms, teachers often fall into two groups: those who proudly sport "I love read alouds" t-shirts and those glancing at their watches, thinking, "I don't have time for this." While reading a book to the class might take away a few minutes of instructional time, it was something I refused to skip. Even on our busiest days, my students would beg for storytime, understanding that stories are a powerful way for people to connect. In my classroom, making time for daily read alouds created shared experiences and strengthened our sense of community throughout the year.
Setting the Scene: Why Read Alouds Hold a Special Place in My Heart
Let me begin by sharing a little secret – I absolutely adored read-aloud sessions when I was in elementary school. Whenever my teacher pulled out a book and began to read, I could let go of some of my worries from the school day. Oftentimes, my teachers read to us after lunch. This was a perfect activity to help us calm down after recess and relax back into the classroom setting. While listening to my teacher, the words and pictures in my mind transported me far beyond the four walls of our classroom. It was in those moments that I fell in love with the magic of storytelling and felt most connected to my peers and teachers. Simply put - read alouds helped me feel safe.
If your students are overly anxious, read-aloud time can become one of the most calming moments of their day. It allows them to slow down their racing thoughts and settle into the rhythm of a story. This shared experience creates common ground, giving students and teachers opportunities to discuss characters and events during other parts of the school day.
(You may also want to read my blog post titled Why Smart Kids Worry).
Picture Books, Chapter Books, or Both
And so, every summer, I found myself reading loads of children's books finding the perfect lineup for the coming year. While teaching preschool, I only read picture books, however, I think students as young as first grade can enjoy carefully chosen chapter books - especially during the second half of the school year. In 4th grade, I read chapter books consistently throughout the year and sandwiched picture books to fill a few days before a holiday break. I also utilized picture books to teach key points in language arts, math, science, social studies, social-emotional learning, and art.
The First Day Ritual: Flight School by Lita Judge
While attending The Ohio State University for my masters degree, a very influential professor taught our college class using elementary-themed activities. One day, we walked into class and saw the following sign on the board: "We teach you how to fly."
As a class, we talked about what this flight school might entail. What would happen during flight school? What might the instructors be like? What tools would we need to fly?
Then, my professor said, "I'm going to erase one word from the board and replace it with something else." Do you know what he erased?
You.
He replaced it with "birds." Now, the sign read, "We teach birds how to fly." This changed our discussion. What would flight school be like for a bird? Who would teach this type of class? What do birds need to fly?
Finally, we listened to a very engaging read-aloud titled Flight School by Lita Judge. Ever since this class, I have used this same book to kick off my read-aloud routine. This heartwarming tale follows the journey of a little penguin with big dreams – dreams of soaring through the skies alongside majestic birds. Through perseverance, courage, and class full of friends, the penguin learns that anything is possible.
As we dive into Flight School together, my students cheer for the feathered protagonist. Their eyes get big as they realize that penguins, and ostriches, can't fly. Then, we connect it to our classroom. This school year, there will be times when you feel like the penguin. Some topics are difficult to learn - like multiplication facts and long division. You might need help from friends to lift you up. Other times, you will be the friend who is flying along and helping the penguins reach their dreams. We discuss our unique differences and find ways to unite as a team of students reaching out with kindness.
Let the Reading Continue
Incorporating academic skills into read alouds is another way to prevent them from fading into the background of your schedule. If your principal insists on teaching standards - use exit tickets or check-ins to allow students to respond to the stories they listen to in class or books they read independently during silent reading time.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Read Alouds
In a world where time is often in short supply, making room for read alouds may feel like a luxury. Yet, the value they bring to the classroom cannot be overstated. From building connections and calming anxious minds to fostering empathy and creating a sense of belonging, read alouds have the power to transform a group of students into a community. They allow us to experience the world from different perspectives, and they remind us that learning is not just about facts and figures—it's about stories that touch our hearts and minds.
As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to bring stories to life, offering our students a daily dose of imagination, empathy, and understanding. So, whether you’re a teacher wearing the “I love read alouds” t-shirt or someone who’s been more focused on the clock, consider giving read alouds a chance. You might just find that those few minutes spent immersed in a book are the most meaningful moments of your day—and theirs.