kentuckymom Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 So I've offered to come in and help Squirrelboy's teacher once a week when Kittygirl is at preschool. So far she hasn't found much for me to do, but today she asked if, starting next Friday (this Friday is Fall Break) I'd be willing to read a book to the class for 20 minutes before lunch.She's given me free reign to choose the book. I love reading aloud and I'm super excited about this. I have some ideas on my own, but i thought I'd poll the Hive while I was at it. If you could read any book to a class or third graders, what book would you choose? Remember this is public school so it can't be overtly religious. Oh, and they're just finishing up listening to Charlotte's Web, so don't choose that :). ETA: Two weeks in, I'm loving this volunteer opportunity, and the kids are too. Several kids cheered when I walked into the classroom today, and they were on the edge of their seats while I read the chapter from RONIA THE ROBBER'S DAUGHTER. It just goes to show that the average kid today really can appreciate good books when they're presented well. The teacher is even using it to extend their vocabulary. They're going to add the word "chasm" (which they need to figure out how to spell) to their Word Wall :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest missyintx Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 My daughter loved Red Sails to Capri in the 3rd grade. I don't remember if a chapter can be read in 20 minutes though. Missy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEGway Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Despereaux Beverly Cleary (Ramona or Henry books) The Gammage Cup Adam of the Road What a fun way to connect with his class! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 That's a hard one. My short list, because I couldn't choose just one: The BFG Holes (I read this recently and DD LOVED it) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (or Ozma of Oz if they've already heard the first one) Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Because of Winn-Dixie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMWB Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 My kids are really liking The Phantom Tollbooth and all the word plays and silliness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Indian in the Cupboard. I still remember my 1st grade teacher reading it to us, and I read it to my oldest two boys when they were very young. At the time, I didn't think they remembered any of it, but several years later I got it as an audiobook to listen to on a road trip and they were very excited to hear it again. All of the boys loved it, as well as my husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 No Flying in the House! My 3rd grade teacher read it to us, and I've never forgotten it. The chapters are just long enough, there is enough descriptions to see the action but not too many so you get bogged down, and it's a fantasy set in today's world--REALLY good!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 My 3rd grader loves penguins, I am reading Mr. Poppers Penguins to him and he is enjoying it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilaclady Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 I wanted to say phantom tollbooth but that's already been mentioned. I will say Alice's adventures in wonderland The wizard of oz Babe the gallant pig The year of Ms Agnes Pinky pye my fathers dragon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Bunnicula -- now, while you can get away with something spooky. Molly's Pilgrim -- perfect before Thanksgiving. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- the best thing I have ever heard another teacher do as a read aloud, back when I was a student teacher. This one is an annual event at my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My3girls Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 The Wizard of Oz Tales of a Third Grade Nothing SuperFudge Pipi Longstockings Peter Pan The Incredible Journey The Borrowers The Indian in the Cupboard Alice in Wonderland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djunec Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Dr. Dolittle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 My first thought was Tale of Desperaux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Half Magic. It is SO funny. or Ben and Me. Ditto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 I'd choose Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Hank the Cowdog is also fun to hear read aloud. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Jacob two-two meets the hooded fang. The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. Double fudge by Judy Blume. Robin hood. Swiss family robinson. The BFG by Roald Dahl. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Indian in the Cupboard. I still remember my 1st grade teacher reading it to us, and I read it to my oldest two boys when they were very young. At the time, I didn't think they remembered any of it, but several years later I got it as an audiobook to listen to on a road trip and they were very excited to hear it again. All of the boys loved it, as well as my husband. I am reading this aloud right now. I am mainly reading it to my son. My daughter said she would listen from upstairs. A few minutes into the chapter, she was on the stairs listening. By the end, I had both kids on my arms listening intently. We are enjoying it! So many good books and looks like a lot of good suggestions here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Bunnicula. I remember my 3rd grader teacher reading that aloud too. Little House Books Any Ramona or Superfudge are good ones too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 "The BFG" or "Indian in the Cupboard" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckens Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Superfudge Hank the Cowdog Poetry by Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky. Poetry is good for if there is less than 5 minutes to read, and you don't want to start a new chapter. You could finish a chapter or page, and read 1 or 2 or 3 poems according to how much time you have left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 So many good ones! I haven't seen Hatchet listed yet - add that one in :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saraswati Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 James and the Giant Peach. I remember my 3rd grade teacher read it to us. I loved it so much, I made my mother buy me my own copy. I couldn't stand how slow the teacher was getting through it, and didn't want to wait for her to see what happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Another vote for Despereaux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an amazingly well done audio book - I'm sure it would be a good read aloud too, but the audio book is not to be missed, IMO. My first thought was Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Alternately: Homer Price is funny, most kids enjoy Henry Huggins, Desperaux is amazingly good, The Wizard of Oz books are very fun and interesting (and you'd never run out of them if you wanted to keep going). The Jungle Book or Peter Pan would be some classics to try - or some of the Rudyard Kipling Just So Stories to test the kids out for Jungle Book. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 The Trumpet of the Swan Dominic by William Steig Brave Irene by William Steig (one sitting-it's a longer picture book about courage and persistence) The Minpins by Roald Dahl, or almost anything of his: The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda The Family Under the Bridge An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Bunnicula -- now, while you can get away with something spooky. Molly's Pilgrim -- perfect before Thanksgiving. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- the best thing I have ever heard another teacher do as a read aloud, back when I was a student teacher. This one is an annual event at my house. I love these choices. My 4th grader last year loved anything Roald Dahl. Also the book How to Train Your Dragon is very cute and much better than that horrid movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyerin Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 When I taught 3rd, my favorites to read aloud were Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Twenty-One Balloons. LOVED the Twenty-One Balloons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Another vote for The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe. When I taught ps, my 3rd graders loved this book. Of course it might have had something to do with the fact that I dressed up as the White Witch and served them Turkish Delight. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 In my long experiences with 8 year old children, BFG, hands down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2bee Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Can you read shorter works--like picture books? Or does it have to be a chapter book? Maybe some nice picture books followed up with a poem or two (or 3) could be nice. That way you can cover a lot of different genres and stories, plus if anything happens and you're not able to come in for a week or two, the kids aren't left hanging... I'd get a big book of fables and fairytales as a mainstay and then pick whatever tickled my fancy from the library for extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 Wow, there are so many wonderful suggestions. I'm sure a volume of fairy tales or short stories would be fine, but I lean more toward a chapter book because I think the kids would enjoy a continuing story. Then again, if a kid doesn't like a fairy tale he can always hope he'll like the one the following week. I guess I'll see how the first chapter book goes over and then reevaluate. Despite all the wonderful suggestions (which I'm recording for ideas to read to the class later or to Squirrelboy at night), I think I'm going to follow my passion and read something by Astrid LIndgren (in translation, of course, though I've read many of her books in the original Swedish). Ronia the Robber's Daughter is my favorite. It's not well known in America at all, but it's absolutely lovely. It has a strong female protagonist that the girls will cheer for along with a boy supporting character to keep the boys happy. It also has a few spooky fantasy elements appropriate to the season. Despite my many suggestions to do so, Squirrelboy has not yet chosen it for a read aloud, so it would be new to him too. I'll update and let you all know how it goes next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Great choice! Astrid Lindgren is fantastic! Have fun... :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I am a huge fan of Ronia, the Robber's Daughter. What kind of group is this? Public school? Ronia is a child of nature, and even goes off to live in a cave with the boy for a time. I've read it several times, and it's superbly Lindgren, right down to the Ronia and the boy bathing naked together in the river (which might be an issue for some). I just don't know your audience, or whether it would cause a fuss for you. Lindgren's Children of Noisy Village is a good read aloud as well. ETA: I re-read your OP. It is a public school. I'd flip through it again before you decide. It is such a great book! What about The Water Horse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 My Father's Dragon for sure. Perfect for third graders. Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 It's been awhile since I read Ronia, but I don't want a handful of potentially inappropriate lines to keep the kids from hearing a wonderful book. I'm used to editing on the fly on occasion when I read classics to Squirrelboy (although in that case it's often changing Britishisms to Americanisms so he understands), so I think I'll be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Desperaux was my first thought too. Having read all the suggestions, it would still be my first choice. My kids also loved Ronald Dahl and Judy Blume (especially the Fudge books) in third grade. What a great volunteer job! I love reading aloud too and would love sharing great books with the class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Okay, I looked through Ronia again and I have no doubt that it will be appropriate. The only thing I think I need to change is the name of "Hell's Gap." I think I'll just say "Big Gap." It's tempting to use the Swedish name, but inevitably someone will ask me what "helvete" means and the cat will be out of the bag. I do really like Despereaux, and it was most highly recommended by a longtime teacher friend of mine as well, so I'll probably do that one next if the chapter book format goes over well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartsjoy Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Bud and Me Prince and the Pauper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
................... Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 You are so lucky!! THe Lion, the WItch and the Wardrobe!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korrale Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 If this becomes a long standing thing you could read any of the Great Illustrated Classics. They take 90 minutes to read aloud... Ideally 3-4 weeks. They are abridged versions of many classics. Many classics that many children may never be exposed to. I also like the idea of reading short stories. My reasoning for this is because some kids may forget what happens in each book each week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 18, 2013 Author Share Posted October 18, 2013 Update: I read the first chapter today and the kids were enthralled. I wish I didn't have to go a whole week between chapters, but the first day was definitely a hit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 It might be even better for Second, but I'd be tempted to pick "Frindle" by Andrew Clements. I loved that book. Bill ETA: Sorry, I guess I'm too late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 20, 2013 Author Share Posted October 20, 2013 I'll keep Frindle in mind for the next book, Bill :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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