Student Activities for Back to School Read Alouds
Back to School Read Alouds for Grades K-6
Using read alouds with your students is a positive and effective way to begin the school year! They help reinforce class rules about listening skills and can spark meaningful class discussions about community, diversity, friendship, and expectations. Research has shown that using read alouds in the upper grades, as well as lower, is a powerful way to increase engagement as well as improve vocabulary and comprehension skills. The following books are highly recommended by teachers and include a StoryboardThat activity, though teachers can modify the activity to fit their chosen read-aloud story.
How Tos about Back to School Read Alouds
Make read alouds interactive with quick partner discussions.
Pause every few pages to have students turn and talk with a partner about what’s happening or make predictions. This boosts engagement and gives all students a voice, especially those who may be shy about speaking up in front of the whole class.
Connect read aloud themes to classroom community building.
Ask students to relate story events or characters to your own class’s values and routines. Use open-ended questions like, “How can we show kindness like the character?” to reinforce positive behaviors and expectations.
Use simple visual aids to keep students focused.
Show illustrations from the book or display key vocabulary words on the board. Visual supports help students stay on track and make new words more memorable for everyone, especially English learners.
Encourage creative responses with mini storyboarding.
After the read aloud, invite students to draw one scene from the story or a personal connection using paper, whiteboards, or digital tools. This activates comprehension and lets students express their understanding in fun, visual ways.
Wrap up with a class reflection to reinforce learning.
End the session by asking students to share one thing they learned or felt during the read aloud. Reflecting together helps build a supportive classroom climate and deepens connections to the story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Back to School Read Alouds
What are some engaging back to school read alouds for elementary students?
Engaging back to school read alouds for grades K-6 include stories that promote community, diversity, friendship, and class expectations. Popular choices recommended by teachers often come with follow-up activities, like storyboarding, to reinforce learning.
How can I use read alouds to build classroom community at the start of the year?
Read alouds help foster a sense of community by sparking discussions about empathy, teamwork, and respect. They set a positive tone and allow students to connect over shared experiences and values.
What follow-up activities work well after a back to school read aloud?
Storyboard activities are a great follow-up to read alouds. Students can visually retell the story, reflect on key themes, or illustrate classroom expectations, making learning interactive and memorable.
Why are read alouds important for upper elementary grades?
Read alouds in upper grades boost engagement, vocabulary, and comprehension. They encourage listening skills and create opportunities for in-depth discussions about real-world topics and classroom norms.
How do I choose the best back to school read aloud for my class?
Pick a read aloud that matches your students' grade level and interests, focusing on stories with themes like friendship, diversity, or classroom expectations. Teacher recommendations and activities can help you tailor the lesson for your group.
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