The Read Aloud Classroom
A podcast to help elementary teachers incorporate more picture books into their school day by using read alouds across the curriculum.
Each week, I'll share picture book titles to guide you in your teaching. You'll find practical tips, innovative ideas, and a collection of handpicked picture books perfect for each subject.
Get ready to inspire, educate and empower your students with the captivating world of picture books. Happy reading!
The Read Aloud Classroom
43. Picture Books to Build Listening Skills
You know that feeling when you're trying to read aloud to your class and it feels like you're competing with twenty different side conversations? Or when you ask a question and three students blurt out answers before you've even finished speaking? We've all been there, and the good news is that picture books can transform those chaotic read aloud moments into meaningful learning experiences. Whether you're setting up classroom expectations at the beginning of the year or finding yourself needing to revisit listening skills in January—or really any time—today's episode is your roadmap to building better listeners.
In this episode, I'm sharing eleven incredible picture books that will help your students develop crucial listening skills while enjoying fantastic stories. From books about learning when to stop talking (hello, "Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker"!) to stories that teach empathetic listening like "The Rabbit Listened," I've organized these books into three categories to make it easier for you to choose the right book for your specific classroom needs. You'll discover practical tips for using these books during read aloud time, learn how to address everything from interrupting to mindful listening, and walk away with a clear action plan for creating the calm, engaged classroom community you've been dreaming of. Because here's the truth—good listeners aren't born, they're developed through practice and the right stories.
📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!
💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)
📚 Books in this Episode:
- Lacey Walker, NonStop Talker
- Quiet Please, Owen McPhee
- My Mouth is a Volcano
- Wordy Birdy
- I Have a Little Problem
- Listen, Buddy
- 10 Ways to Hear Snow
- The Rabbit Listened
- Bear Has a Story to Tell
- Howard B. Wigglebottom
- Interrupting Chicken
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.
