No matter what grade I teach, I will always use picture books and read alouds. With February just around the corner, I thought I’d share some of my recommendations for World Read Aloud Day books with you. I have also included discussion prompts and reading comprehension tips. So, let’s get into it!
World Read Aloud Day Book 1:
How to Read a Book
Before World Read Aloud Day, you may consider reading How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander. It is a cute, short read that uses beautiful figurative and descriptive language to discuss the magic of reading.
Discussion Prompts:
1. What is your favourite book?
2. What is your favourite place to read?
3. Does this story teach you how to read? If not, what is the purpose of it?
All Because You Matter
All Because You Matter by Tami Charles is another beautifully written story that reminds children that they matter. Regardless of their appearance, beliefs or how they do in school. This book lends itself well to a mini-lesson on Making Connections. Grab my Reading Comprehension Graphic Organizers that can be used with any story here.
Discussion Prompts:
1. Why did the author write this story?
2. Did it inspire you? How?
3. What does this story teach us to remember?
As Fast As Words Could Fly
Next, we have As Fast As Words Could Fly by Pamela M. Tuck. This is an inspiring, informative story about a young boy’s courage to stand up for his rights and break racial barriers. I would recommend pre-reading it to see if it is appropriate for your age group as they do reference a number of civil rights issues. I would use this story to support a reading comprehension lesson on Asking Questions or Making Inferences. This could also be a great start to conversations about Black History Month.
Discussion Prompts:
1. How do you think Mason and his felt about the way they were treated when they made it to school?
2. Why didn’t anyone clap for Mason when he won the competition?
3. Mason chose the manual typewriter because it reminded him of where he came from. Why is this so powerful?
4. What is the message of this story?
What if, Pig?
The story What if, Pig? by Linzie Hunter is perfect for social emotional learning in younger audiences. The main character in the story learns how to turn his anxiety, worry and “what-if’s” into positivity. As for a mini-lesson, this book lends itself well to Making Predictions!
Discussion Prompts:
1. What do you think this story will be about?
2. What is the main problem in the story?
3. Do you ever worry? Why is it important to stop our what-if’s sometimes?
The Most Magnificent Thing
Finally, The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is a cute, humorous book that teaches students about growth mindset, patience, creativity and perseverance. There is a clear plot, so this is a great book to do a Story Map on.
Discussion Prompts:
1. Have you ever had a project frustrate you because it doesn’t turn out as planned?
2. What happened as she got angrier?
3. What happened when she took a break/breather? Why is this important?
That’s all for this year! Hope you and your students enjoy these World Read Aloud Day Books. If you are looking for additional, engaging reading comprehension activities for your students, click here.
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