Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “book recommendations”
Kids are used to being told WHAT to think, but in this digital age, it is more important than ever for kids to learn to think for themselves! This book encourages students to think critically and exposes them to author bias, fact manipulation, and fact and opinion in a fun way. What Do You Think About Reptiles is not just …
Finding read-aloud books to help 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders learn to distinguish between fact and opinion can be challenging. Many nonfiction books do include both facts and opinions, but the opinions are often subtle, which can be confusing for upper elementary students. We also tend to choose books with opinions we want students to agree with—like those describing Martin …
The Great Kapok Tree is a compelling story that teaches about the importance of protecting the environment, particularly the rainforest. It makes a great 3rd, 4th, or 5th read aloud for Earth Day – or any time of year. Below, find questions and activity ideas to use in your upper elementary lesson plans when reading Lynne Cherry’s The Great Kapok …
A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School is a sweet story that helps 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms reflect on and celebrate the school year. This rhyming book from the teacher’s perspective reminds students of what all they accomplished during the school year, lets them know they will be missed, and offers encouragement for the …
If you start the school year off with the read-aloud First Day Jitters, then you need to end the year with Julie Danneberg’s Last Day Blues! At the beginning of the year, Mrs. Hartwell was nervous about teaching her class – but by the end of the year, she is sad to see her students go. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th …
Brave Irene is an interesting story of a young girl that braves a blizzard in order to make sure the duchess has her dress in time for the ball. The vocabulary and figurative language that the author William Steig uses is vivid and captivating. It lends itself to a variety of different reading activities to do along with reading the …
Snowmen at Night is a fun winter read aloud that draws out the imaginative side of kids. The text in this snowman book is not complicated, so it is often used for younger grade levels. However, the whimsy in this story appeals to readers of all ages, and the activity ideas below are geared towards 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade …
Looking for some fun, engaging monster books to read aloud to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students for Halloweeen? Or maybe you have a monster themed classroom, or are doing a monster unit with your upper elementary class. Whatever has led you on a search for monster read-alouds, you will find a book that works for your students below! …
There are so many good books that teach kindness and empathy to read aloud to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Sometimes it can be hard to choose. But kindness and empathy are themes that upper elementary students need to be reminded of all year long. You don’t have to choose just one book! Below, find some kindness and …
Thank You Mr. Falker is a heartwarming story that contains themes of overcoming obstacles, persevering, and how kindness can make a huge difference. Patricia Polacco, the author and illustrator, wrote this to tell about the real teacher in her life that encouraged and helped her, and it will encourage your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Below, find comprehension questions …