Every year, my third grade students tell me that their favorite thing from the entire year was when I read out loud to them.  I know what you're thinking.  "Eight and nine year olds don't like to be read to!"  But your'e wrong!  They love it!

For those of you that don't know, I am my School's 3rd grade science and social studies teacher this year. In an effort to encourage reading across subject areas, we will be doing a daily read aloud in my third grade classes. We will be incorporating our science and social studies standards, as well as social-emotional learning in our discussions.

We have the following books scheduled for the upcoming week.

Monday: "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg

This book is such a fun read for the first week of school!  It is a great way to incorporate not only your students that have attended your school for years, but is also a great way to hook any new students. This book also has a great twist at the end that makes your students more aware of the people around them - even the adults!

Along with this book, I love to talk with my class about things that have made them nervous in the past.  We talk about the things we are all nervous for over the upcoming school year, and my students get to know me, as their teacher, better as I open up about my own concerns and fears.  We then talk about the ways that we will overcome our fears and face them head-on!

Tuesday: "Get Up, Stand Up" Based on the song by Bob Marley, Adapted by Cedella Marley

I love this book!  I talk with my class every year about being leaders in their school, whether they are dealing with kindergarteners, fifth graders, or even adults!  This picture book walks kids through real-life situations that they will more than likely face while they are in elementary school.

Then, I give students an opportunity to tell stories about a time that they have had to stand up for what was right.  We talk about the best ways to handle standing up for the right thing, and we also talk about the fact that there is a WRONG way to stand up for what is right, too.  Of course, the kids also love to listen to the song as they begin their daily work.

Wednesday: "Jessica" by Kevin Henkes

I love anything Kevin Henkes.  This book always makes my third graders giggle, because they are just old enough to think that imaginary friends are ridiculous.  However, we dive deeper into the book and talk about why Ruthie had her imaginary friend.  We then talk about ways to make others feel comfortable as they begin a new school year.

Thursday:  "Octopus Stew" by Eric Velasquez

My students are fascinated by "Octopus Stew" because they have the ability to choose the ending.  So fun!  One of my favorite reasons to use this book is to talk about how different families do things differently.  I ask my students if any of their families make octopus stew.  They typically groan with a "GROSS!" thrown in, but then we open discussion to talk about things that their families do that others don't.

Typically, I start by asking about certain foods.  I ask if their families eat certain foods for dinner, and then move the conversation to sports, travel, and even religion.  It doesn't take long for the kids to realize that no family is alike, and then we talk about how that's ok!

Friday: "Little Home Bird" by Jo Empson

This Week in Science class my students will be learning about different animal adaptations. So of course I had to include the story all about a bird migrating. 

I will discuss with my class the different animal adaptations that they see in the story. We will also talk all about migration and which animals migrate and why.