I am rethinking my schedule for next year, and I want to plan to have a time each day for a picture book read aloud (obviously) plus time at the end of the day for a chapter book read aloud. We read chapter books throughout the year periodically, but I want to pick great, age-appropriate ones, especially ones the students wouldn't be able to read independently. This year I read (in the "chapter book" category): A Young Cam Jansen book (forget which) 2 Henry and Mudge books The Tale of Despereaux (that took FOREVER to read!) The Cam Jansen and Henry and Mudge books aren't bad, I'm just looking for a little variety.
In my experience, little kids LOVE Magic Tree House books and they are a fast read. Mr. Putter and Tabby are some of my all time favorites! I have also enjoyed reading aloud Flat Stanley. They have some new Magic School Bus chapter books that I have heard the kids love!
Read Alouds I read aloud from a chapter book at the end of every day last year. (I was teaching 2nd grade). It's a great way to end the day. Some of the class favorites were: Mouse and the Motorcycle Ralph S. Mouse Sideways Stories from Wayside School Because of Winn-Dixie Charlotte's Web Little House in the Big Woods Encyclopedia Brown books
I'm in 5th, so I know it's a bit different in 1st, but I try to use picture books that show concepts that I am teaching. I read them during the time when I am teaching that particular subject or concept. Maybe that would work for your schedule. Even though my kids are older they still love being read to and I am so glad.
You want to pick books that are 2 or 3 reading levels higher than your students, but be careful that the content it appropriate for your age level. I also use picture books daily, but they always relate to a concept or theme that we are studying. When we read chapter book after lunch and recess it is ALWAYS a favorite time for the kids AND me! Some of my favorite read-alouds (and I teach 2nd grade) are: "The BFG" by Roald Dahl "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate diCamilla "Because of Winn Dixie" by Kate diCamilla (one of my favorite book quotes is from this book, but it uses the word "hell". Since it's my favorite quote I don't delete it, but I usually replace hell with something more grade level appropriate) "The Miraculous Adventure of Edward Tulane" by Kate diCamilla "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Richard Atwater "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer (I don't expect my kids to get all of it, by any means, but it's a great vocab builder and a really fun book) This year I read book one of the "Gregor the Overlander" series and my kids were MESMERIZED!!!!
My first graders loved Junie B. Jones. I cleaned up some of her wording as I was reading but they loved hearing me read her adventures. I even had parents come in and comment on my read alouds!
The Doll People, for some reason, really hooks both the boys and girls. My girls loved it when their teachers read it to them - there are more than one in the series.
I second Junie B Jones! My first graders also loved books about popular movies that they have seen, such as Toy Story. I LOVE Skippyjon Jones...
With my experience students LOVE Magic Tree House, Judy Blume, Bailey School Kids, and Beverly Cleary. I have noticed that students at this age love mysteries because they want to try and figure out what is going to happen before you read it!
My second graders really enjoyed all of the E.B. White classics: Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan, and Stuart Little. They also enjoyed The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I think it's by Kate DiCamillo. Cam Jansen was also a hit with the young ones.
Clementine-a girl who finds trouble wherever she goes Toys Go Out - the true life story of several stuffed animals
These books look great! I'd never heard of Toys Go Out - I put it on my hold list at my library. Thanks!
