Reading aloud to K-2 students is so important!
First {and most importantly in my opinion!} it fosters a love for reading. If your students enjoy the stories you read to them, they’ll be more likely to want to read on their own!
Second, reading aloud develops listening skills and attention span. Your learners have to sit still and listen to the story, which can be hard for little ones. Of course, it’s also important for them to learn how to do this so they can succeed in school.
Finally, reading aloud helps children build their vocabulary and improve their language skills. As they hear new words in the context of a story, they’ll start to use them in their own speech.
Here are some books to read aloud in your primary classroom that are sure to engage your students and ignite reading excitement!
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The Cat in the Hat
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is always a hit with students in K-2. It’s funny and engaging, and kids love the story of the mischievous cat who comes to visit on a rainy day. In addition, it is also a great book to read aloud to older kids who may be struggling with reading.
Dr. Seuss’s classic book uses many sight words and high-frequency words that are important for kids to learn. One of the best parts of reading this title aloud is the rhyming words. Your students will learn about rhyme while engaging in a fun story. Overall, this book is definitely one to keep in your primary classroom library!
Fun Fact: it took Dr. Seuss over a year to write The Cat in the Hat and it only uses 236 words {that most 6 & 7 year olds can read!}
Make Way for Ducklings
Another favorite is Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. This sweet story follows a mother duck as she tries to find a safe place to raise her ducklings in the city. It’s a perfect read-aloud for springtime for younger readers.
Students can also read this book as individuals or in small groups. In addition to learning sight words, K-2 readers will learn fun facts about ducks and their habitats. The more they read, the more they will learn! Your early childhood students will delight in this sweet read-aloud.
Related Reading: Spring Classroom Activities
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
We can’t forget about The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This classic is a must-have for your classroom library. Children love the vibrant colors and practice learn counting, sequencing, and more as they follow the caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly. You can read this book aloud to your class and share the exquisite illustrations.
This is a great entry-level text for emergent readers. The images and words will stick with your young students throughout their childhood. My former students always remember this fun book by Eric Carle.
We also love following up our Eric Carle study with this incredible Eric Carle art project!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is a classic among classics. Children will love this tale of mischief and adventure featuring the lovable Peter Rabbit and his mischievous friends. This book teaches children about friendship, family, and being kind to animals.
Read aloud Peter Rabbit with your class and discuss the importance of family and friendship. This is also a great introduction to following rules and the theme of obedience. Peter Rabbit has some fantastic illustrations that add to the read-aloud!
The One and Only Ivan
This Newbery Honor book by Katherine Applegate is a must-read. It’s about the friendship between a gorilla named Ivan and an elephant named Stella. Ivan lives in a run-down mall with many other exotic animals who have lost their homes. Ivan is the king of his domain and takes care of all of the animals.
When a baby elephant named Ruby is brought to the mall, Ivan makes it his mission to protect her and make sure she’s safe. This book will teach your students about friendship and being loyal to their friends. Even though this is a longer chapter book, it’s an appropriate read-aloud for older primary students.
This is a wonderful read-aloud because it’s a chapter book and kids always feel SO special when they reach this status! It’s fun to read just a chapter a day to build suspense…and strengthen comprehension!
When it comes to finding the perfect book to read aloud in your primary classroom, there are a few things you should take into consideration. First, you want to make sure the book is appropriate for the age group. Second, you want to find a book that is engaging and will capture the attention of your students. Finally, you want to choose a book that will promote critical thinking and discussion amongst even your youngest readers. These perfect books to read aloud in your primary classroom fit the bill. Check out these titles to read in your K-2 classes!
