In my classroom, I have done read alouds in different ways, since I have taught three different grade levels. This year, I started out the year with a fun read aloud called The Chocolate Touch. I always try to start out the year with an entertaining chapter book that gets students motivated to read books that do not have a lot of pictures so that I can teach them how to visulaize and create images for the stories in their minds.
Throughout the year, I incorporate read alouds that go along with the theme of stories we are reading in class. Our first Unit in reading was about friendship, so I read the book Stuart Little to my class to tie in the theme of friendship and how it relates to other stories we have read about friendship.
I also like to give the students choices in read aloud books for the class. If we are learning about a certain topic such as explorers, fractions, or habitats, I give the students choices in what kind of book they would prefer to listen to about that topic. When students are provided with choices, they start to feel more involved in the read aloud process.
I also do many read alouds. Occasionally, I read a picture book to students, especially if it is about a topic, such as fractions as you mentioned. Normally, I also use chapter books with my students. Have you read Stone Fox? It's one of my favorite read alouds. It's an easy read, but packs a powerful punch! The only challenge with it is to finish it without crying! I also enjoy reading Sideways Stories from Wayside School. It is pure silliness and the children absolutely love it. That's usually my first chapter read aloud of the year, then we get a little more serious.
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