I still remember the Korean picture book my mom used to read to me when I was little, 101 Dalmations. I know it sounds so random, but I can still remember some of the pictures from the book and of course the story, everyone is familiar with. I used to love getting books read by my mom, don’t know why she stopped! 🙂
As I started teaching fifth grade here in Korea, I’ve really enjoyed being able to read aloud to my students. I try to spend a good chunk of time everyday reading aloud. Sometimes the read aloud might relate to what we’re learning in science. Other times we are reading through a chapter book that can last over a few weeks. I love reading picture books with great illustrations. Those are my absolute favorite.
Here is a really interesting article about the importance of read aloud by the Donalyn Miller. She’s the author of one of my favorite teacher books, The Book Whisperer.
Make Every Day Read Aloud Day Article by the Book Whisperer
Also, did you know that there’s a world read aloud day?? How cool is that.
World Read Aloud Day on March 7th
There’s also Read Across America every year, and this year it’s based on the book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, just in time of when the movie comes out. Our school does something similar to this, but we pick our own theme that works. In the past, we’ve done Read Across Asia and Dr. Seuss theme. This year’s theme it’s Kevin Henkes. I’m sure either Melody or I will be post more about that later!
My friend and co-worker Elaine will be presenting at Korcos at Chadwick International School on March 7th about using read aloud in your classroom. We will be modeling and giving helpful tips! Please make sure to join us if you’re interested.
Some of my favorite read alouds!
What was your favorite book you got read to you?
What books do you like to read aloud to your students?
two apples a day 
When I was little a family friend would always read ” The Tale of the Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt to me and my siblings. I LOVE that book.
One of my favorite books to read during read aloud is “Leonardo the Terrible Monster: by Mo Willems.
Great post Jee Young!
Oooh…I think I remember you talking about that book by Mo Willems. I totally want to borrow it and read it to my kids if you have it!
The Book Whisperer is a GREAT book. It got me to dump my reading logs and reaffirmed many things I do, like read aloud.
I loved listening to (and since re-reading it many times) The Chronicles of Narnia.
There are so many great books to read aloud. How about The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane?
I am so excited about World Read Aloud Day that I got our whole school to join in – yipee!
Ooh, The Chronicles of Narnia are a great series! That is soo great that your whole school is getting involved in the World Read Aloud Day!
One of my favorite books that our parents read to us, was in fact, the Chronicles of Narnia. I also loved this National Geographic book about Blue Whales–also random.
Here are some of my favorite read alouds as a teacher:
Chapter books:
Charlotte’s Web
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Picture books:
Fireboat
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
The Lotus Seed
Summer Sands
My Freedom Trip
The Royal Bee
The Empty Pot
My Lucky Day
Weird Friends
Any book by Steve Jenkins!!
Here’s a link to all the ways that Jee Young has inspired my teaching + one or two ideas to share thrown in:
reading and writing with 3rd graders
http://friendswithoutid.org/2012/03/14/reading-and-writing-with-3rd-graders/