On Thursday, we finished reading our twenty-fourth picture book on the twentieth day of the school year. We have floating shelves on one classroom wall that hold twenty-four picture books. Each time we finish a book, we place it on the shelf. After twenty-four, we start replacing the books one-by-one until we have a new set of twenty-four books.
I thought it would be fun to have the kids reflect on the picture books we have read each time the shelves have twenty-four new books on them. I had them rank their top three books so far this year. They could use any criteria they wanted. I created a sheet for them to place in their reading notebook that will keep track of their favorite picture books throughout the year. It is nothing fancy, but it feels like a good first draft.
It was interesting to listen to them talk about their favorite picture books so far this year. Equally as interesting was to look at all the books they picked.
Twenty of the twenty-four picture books I read aloud to them were selected at least once.
Nine different books received first place votes.
The Rough Patch receiving the most with six.
I’m Sorry You Got Mad received five first place votes and Big received four.
Sam & Dave Dig A Hole were on the most lists with ten votes.
A lot of people have been asking me how I use these picture books in my classroom, especially since my district adopted a pretty intensely scripted reading program this school year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share more on that soon! Still trying to iron many of the kinks out.
Check out these five amazing 2024 middle grade novels. All of these books are on my list of AWESOME 2024 BOOKS.
Be sure to check out the latest episode of The Yarn where Travis Jonker talks about creating his new picture book The Ship in the Window. It feels like an episode that you could share with kids. They would be fascinated by Travis’s process.
Thank you for continuing to inspire me to make time to read these incredible stories that must be shared. I am excited to hear how you manage this balance in your classroom.
Absolutely love your thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching.