The Read Aloud Classroom

Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time in the day for read alouds? You're juggling a packed schedule, trying to fit in all your required curriculum, and those magical reading moments seem to slip away. 

I hear from teachers all the time about their struggle to incorporate more read alouds, especially when they only have 5-7 minutes to spare. But here's the thing - those small pockets of time can be transformed into powerful reading experiences.

In this episode, I'm sharing how to make the most of those transition times - you know, those moments right after recess, before lunch, or during end-of-day pack-up. Instead of watching chaos unfold, learn how to create calm, engaging read aloud moments that nurture a love of reading. 

I'll walk you through creating your collection of "pocket-sized stories," establishing simple routines, and share my favorite short books that pack a punch. Because sometimes the most meaningful teaching moments happen when we're not trying to teach at all.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

In this episode, I'm sharing my curated list of brand new picture books being released in February 2025. I know how hard it can be to stay on top of new releases while juggling all your other teaching responsibilities, so I've done the research for you. 

From Brad Meltzer's latest "I Am" biography about Sally Ride to heartwarming stories about friendship and inclusion, these carefully selected books will help you build an engaging, diverse classroom library that supports your teaching goals across all subject areas. Whether you're looking for books to teach science concepts, explore cultural celebrations, or develop social-emotional skills, I've got you covered.

Click here to see all the books!

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

It's late afternoon, and that familiar wave of guilt washes over you as you realize - you haven't done your read aloud today. Again. Between administrative demands, packed schedules, and constant interruptions, it feels impossible to protect that precious read aloud time. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone in this daily struggle.

In this episode, I'm sharing my proven strategies for making read alouds truly non-negotiable in your classroom - without adding more to your already full plate. You'll learn how to transform read alouds into powerful multi-purpose teaching tools, find the perfect time slot that works for your unique schedule, and create simple systems to protect your read aloud time. 

Plus, I'll show you exactly how to document learning during read alouds to satisfy those administrative requirements. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical, actionable steps to ensure your read alouds happen every single day, no matter what challenges come your way.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Picture this - you're walking through Barnes & Noble, dreaming of building your classroom library, when those price tags stop you in your tracks. $18.99, $21.99, $24.99 per book! If you're like me, you quickly realize that creating that dream read aloud collection could empty your bank account. But don't worry - I've got you covered.

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite budget-friendly ways to build an amazing classroom library without breaking the bank. From maximizing your local library's resources and uncovering hidden gems at book sales, to connecting with colleagues and using creative solutions like Scholastic points - I'll walk you through practical strategies that have helped me create a rich collection of read alouds. 

After years in the classroom and talking with thousands of teachers, I know the struggle of wanting to share amazing books with our students while staying within our budget. Join me to discover how you can transform your read aloud collection without emptying your wallet.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

As a teacher, you know the power of a great read aloud, but like so many others, you might be struggling with finding time, knowing which questions to ask, or keeping your whole class engaged. After years of sharing book recommendations on YouTube, I realized teachers needed more than just titles - they needed comprehensive support for making read alouds work in today's challenging classroom environment.

That's why I created the Read Aloud Revolution podcast. In each episode, I'll share practical strategies for planning effective lessons, engaging your students, and maximizing those precious minutes you spend sharing stories. Together, we'll transform your read alouds from a nice-to-have activity into a powerful teaching tool that builds community, supports learning, and creates lasting memories for your students.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Picture books are magical, but let's be honest - sometimes getting through a read aloud feels more chaotic than magical, doesn't it? Between managing wiggly students, finding the perfect questions to ask, and trying to squeeze it all into your already packed schedule, read alouds can feel overwhelming. 

That's exactly why I'm so excited to announce that Unlock the Power of Picture Books is getting a makeover! 

Welcome to The Read Aloud Classroom, where we're diving deeper than just book recommendations. Each week, I'll be sharing practical strategies, time-saving tips, and classroom-tested techniques to help you create meaningful, engaging read alouds that fit into your busy day. 

Whether you're struggling with classroom management during story time, searching for ways to make your lessons more intentional, or looking to integrate read alouds across your curriculum, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your read aloud routine. Let's make those magical reading moments a reality in your classroom!

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Get your students pumped for the Super Bowl with these engaging football picture books! This video features a collection of fun and informative reads perfect for sharing with your elementary students. Let's make learning about football exciting and interactive!

🌟 FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST

📗 JOIN THE BOOK CLUB


📚 FOOTBALL PICTURE BOOKS:
- Dino Football
- I Told You I Can Play
- Austin Plays Fair
- Miss Nelson Has a Field Day
- Family Huddle
- The Dog that Stole Football Plays
- Pigskins to Paintbrushes
- My Football Family
- The Lil Player that Could
- Goodnight Football

Check out the show notes for the Football Picture Books.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Struggling to plan your interactive read alouds? The Read Aloud Toolkit is just what you need!  Grab these organized binders to help you plan any read aloud lesson in your classroom.

📚 READ ALOUD TOOLKIT (50% off!)

📚 Read Aloud Toolkit on TpT

The Read Aloud Toolkit includes:
- picture book titles
- tips for choosing a book
- sample discussion questions
- anchor charts
- graphic organizers

...for all reading skills and strategies!

📗 JOIN THE BOOK CLUB

🌟 FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST

Check out the show notes for more about the Read Aloud Toolkit.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

It's that time again - the Children's Book Awards for 2025!  I'm sharing my predictions for which books might win the Caldecott award this year.  I even have a freebie for you to host your own Mock Caldecott award ceremony in your classroom.

📗 JOIN THE BOOK CLUB

🌟 FREE CALDECOTT ACTIVITY

📚 CALDECOTT PREDICTIONS 2025:
- Being Home
- Home in a Lunchbox
- Joyful Song
- Touch the Sky
- The Yellow Bus
- Aloha Everything
- Life After Whale
- Jump for Joy
- Built to Last
- Two Together

Check out the show notes for my Caldecott Predictions of 2025!

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Check out these new picture books released in January 2025!  Each of these books make a great read aloud for the classroom.  It's hard to choose which January 2025 picture book to read first!

🌟 FREE SCOPE & SEQUENCE BOOK LIST

📗 JOIN THE BOOK CLUB

📚 JANUARY PICTURE BOOKS:
- All in a Year
- Greatness
- And, Too, the Fox
- Don’t Push the Button
- Girls on the Rise
- Mai’s Ao Dai
- Ruby Bridges
- How Sweet the Sound
- The World Needs the Wonder You See
- There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rainbow
- A Cat Like That

View the show notes for the New Picture Books January 2025 

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.