Chapter Books in First Grade!
Chapter book read-aloud time is one of the most anticipated periods of our first grade day! I generally read from the current chapter book after our math period, which ends at 1:00. The children go to related arts classes at 1:20, so this 20 minute time period works nicely as a transition.
Many (but not all) of our chapter book selections tie into our thematic unit. Our first book is RIBSY by Beverly Cleary. It works well with our unit on Clifford and other literature dogs. It's suspenseful, funny and well-written, and although it's long, it never ceases to hold their attention.
After finishing RIBSY, we begin our first "Russell" book. This is a terrific but little-known series of books absolutely PERFECT for first graders! There are many titles in the series and we usually read each one, scattered throughout the school year! It is the story of Russell Michaels and his sister Elisa. Russell is four years old when the series begins and it follows him through fourth grade (or higher!). I wholeheartedly recommend this series! The titles include:
Rip Roaring Russell
Russell Rides Again
Russell Sprouts
Russell & Elisa
E is for Elisa
Elisa in the Middle
Ever Clever Elisa
Elisa Michaels, Bigger & Better
Summer with Elisa
After reading one or two of the Russell books, it's October and we're studying the night and reading about bedtime fears. I usually read JUNIE B. JONES HAS A MONSTER UNDER HER BED. It fits with the theme, is quite short and hilarious! Sometimes this sparks the interest of the more advanced first grade reader, who may try some Junie B. Jones books on his/her own. Some people have difficulty with the sassiness and the less-than-perfect grammar of Junie, but I don't mind it.
In November we begin our unit on pioneer author Laura Ingalls Wilder so of course we read her first novel, LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. We also read several of her shorter novel adaptations, including "Laura and Nellie" and "School Days." These adaptations are also good for the advanced first grader reader in class, and of course, they all LOVE Laura!
In January, we transition from the pioneer study to one of quilts, and BESS'S LOG CABIN QUILT by D. Anne Love fits perfectly into this theme as it is set in the 1800's. At the end of the quilt unit, we sew our own quilt patch and can identify with the struggles Bess went through to create her award-winning quilt.
One of the chapter books that we read that doesn't tie into any of our themes is the original BOXCAR CHILDREN by G. C. Warner. It is a simple, somewhat dated but sweet story of four orphan children that for some reason usually "speaks" to modern kids! There are MANY other books in the series, but I don't care for them as much as the original. Some children do take out the other books from the library.
One of our most popular units of study is that of the rainforest. During March we read three of the MAGIC TREEHOUSE series that deal with the rainforest - "Afternoon on the Amazon," "Tigers at Twilight" and "Good Morning, Gorillas." These books are by Mary Pope Osborne and there are many more in the series. By now, quite a few of the advancing first grade readers are ready for the challenges of this series.
One of the last books we read is one of my childhood favorites, MAGIC ELIZABETH by Norma Kassirer. It's the story of a girl who discovers a mystery in the home of her aunt. Many years ago, a doll was lost there on Christmas Eve, and through a bit of magic, the main character Sally locates clues to its discovery. It may be out of print, but amazon.com offers it used. Everyone that I have lent this book to simply loves it!
I hope you find this page helpful! There are SO MANY wonderful books out there...I hope you enjoy my top picks! Most, if not all, of the above mentioned books are available at my favorite online bookstore, Amazon.com!
Amazon!
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