Read Alouds for first graders give them a wonderful opportunity to use their imagination and make connections to the world around them. They learn to develop language and listening skills, which prepares them to understand the written word. Here you will find 16 wonderful read alouds that teachers and parents can share with children.
1. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Charlotte's Web is classic Children's literature chapter book that brings friendship to life. This charming story of a pig who just wants a friend, but finds so much more. This is a wonderful, heartwarming story that should be shared for generations to come and makes for a great read aloud book. Charlotte's Web makes a great Audible Book that children will love listening to.
2. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a funny book that has even inspired a hit movie by the same name. This imaginative story is a favorite of grown-ups and children. The town of Chewandswallow becomes a great mess when the food raining down becomes larger and larger. The townspeople come together to help save the town.
3. Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne
The Magic Treehouse series has brought hours and hours of reading enjoyment to young and old alike who enjoy reading adventure stories. In this first of the Magic Treehouse series, Dinosaurs Before Dark takes you on an adventure with Jack and Annie through a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. If you are looking for an interesting chapter book to read aloud, Dinosaurs Before Dark is it.
4. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Stand Tall, Molly Lou is a heart-warming story of a girl who learns that staying true to herself is her best decision. When Molly Lou starts a new school and the school bully picks on her, Molly remembers her grandmother told her to always believe in herself. Molly Lou eventually wins over her bully and all her classmates. The fun illustrations will sure catch the attention of any child.
5. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken based on a favorite children's joke has quickly become a must-read aloud book for first graders who enjoy humor stories. At Chicken's bedtime, no matter what book her Papa is reading to her, she jumps into the story to save a character from doing something silly or dangerous. Children of all ages will enjoy this humorous story.
6. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Rosie Revere, Engineer is a bestselling picture book that is perfect to inspire first graders to pursue their dreams and passions. This realistic fiction is a wonderful text that helps the reader connect to real people. Rosie Revere dreams of being an engineer. She creates alone in her room at night but never lets anyone see her inventions. A visit from her great-great-aunt Rosie shows her that she can only fail if she quits. This is a wonderful read aloud for advanced readers.
7. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham is a beloved favorite by the incomparable Dr. Seuss. This favorite book is perfect for first grade book. The familiar characters and fun rhyme make a this children's classic book with a series of tongue-twisters that list numerous places to try green eggs and ham.
8. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
Bunnicula is a classic, humorous, nostalgic book that is perfect for young learners from Atheneum Books for Young Readers. This is a favorite read aloud with a funny and clever story about a cute bunny as a vampire. Young children and adults will enjoy this nostalgic read from the family dog's perspective.
9. Wolf's Coming! by Joe Kulka
The Junie B. Jones series is a classic series loved by school children. Junie B., First Grade (at Last!) is a great first grade read aloud. This is a wonderful read story to read at the beginning of the school year. Children to see themselves in what Junie B. is going through helps them feel more comfortable about starting a new year. The strong character traits really help to make this a perfect first grade book stand out.
11. Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Dr. Suess book always offers a fun read aloud especially for first graders who are emerging readers. The Foot Book is a delightful read of rhyming opposites that explore all kinds of feet. This read aloud will surely be a fast favorite.
13. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
If you have never read a Mo Willems book, Knuffle Bunny is a charming story to start with. Mo Willems is very adept at subtle character development that is relatable to real people. This well-written funny, expressive story is a classic read aloud. The story follows a little girl and her dad's trip to the laundromat where Knuffle Bunny is left behind causing the family to begin the search.
14. Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
15. Groundhog's Day Off by Robb Pearlman
Groundhog's Day off will quickly become a favorite read aloud. When the groundhog decides to go on vacation, the town tries several replacements, but no one else fits. The people soon realize that the groundhog was the perfect animal for the job. Children learn that the groundhog just wanted to be appreciated for more than his meteorological expertise. This humor story will fast become a favorite read aloud.
16. Grumpycorn by Sarah McIntyre
If humor stories are a must, then Grumpycorn is a must-have for any teacher or parent. Children in 1st grade through 4th grade will find enjoyment in listening to the wonderful read aloud. They will want to hear this story over and over again. This story of friendship begins with the Unicorn writing a story but not having any good ideas. When his friends try to help, he turns into a Grumpycorn and leaves a list of victims in his path. When Unicorn realizes what a terrible friend he has been, he apologizes and they all sit to write a story.