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Last week I was reading Shari Frost’s article, Whatever Happened To Mrs. Wishy Washy? when I began to think about the Big Books that have been loved in my room over the years. Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm
, Greedy Cat
, Who’s in the Shed?
and Oh No!
have all been favorites. These texts were staples until I moved to a new school this year. I left behind all of these wonderful and rich resources.
my new school is still accumulating resources. I have been challenged to beg and borrow large books. my colleagues have been very generous in sharing their resources, but children need to have books used in shared reading available every day, all year long. Without the great books I’m used to, I’ve been forced to look for alternatives.
You are reading: Shared reading books for first grade
One way I’ve supplemented shared reading resources is by starting a collection of picture books that work well for shared reading. the books have features that include lively language, engaging characters, and illustrations that support the text as well as invite questions and predictions. the repetitive language in these books encourages students to join in the reading. although the print isn’t as large as I’d like it to be, the texts are definitely making their way into hands and book bins after we read and reread them together.
here are some picture books we are using for shared reading:
Monkey and Me
by Emily Gravett
In this animated and repetitive story, a girl and her monkey pretend to see many animals. the students’ eyes are focused on the girl, as her illustration provides a clue as to which animal she and the monkey will see next. After reading it, a student will surely ask you to move like the animals in the book! I think we walk like penguins and trumpet like elephants on a weekly basis.
I Am the King
by Leo Timmers
Who is the most fit to be the king of all animals? the animals find and taste the crown. each decides that the golden hat suits him better. . . pig, crocodile and elephant. all declare: “I am the king!” who really takes the crown?
See Also: Why Everyone Should Read Books by Autistic Authors | Organization for Autism Research
Where Are You, Little Frog?
by Kayleigh Rhatigan
This delightful read has kids guessing where the little frog is on his journey to different parts of the farm. It’s a fun, repetitively rhyming book with short text, and it’s perfectly suited to the hands of primary readers.
Hello, Day!
by Anita Lobel
the first thing that made this book so wonderful to me is that i have loved anita lobel for years. I was thrilled to see her writing and illustrating a very simple and elegant pattern book. second, the images are beautiful and invite the reader to notice patterns in colors and text. every farm animal starts the day by saying good morning. the goose says, “horn.” the pig says, “oink.” what everyone wants to say is “hello, day!” the owl gently ends the day with his “whoo-oo” (good night).
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime
by Bob Shea
I love the dinosaur because it reminds me of the three dinosaur-shaped kids I have at home. the dinosaur is in constant competition for something (a bunch of leaves, a big slide, a bowl of spaghetti, talking to adults, bath time, brushing teeth, and finally bedtime). at bedtime, his roars soon turn into snoring. this book has many repetitions of “roars” and simple text. my kids love listening to it, reading it, and writing about their own bedtime battles.
This Is the Way
by Charles Fuge
The images in this repetitive, rhyming story are bright and bold. there is much to notice when the little boy moves like the animals in this story. the language is rhythmic and strong. the end of the story lends itself to discussion based on the intriguing final illustrations.
Who Ate All the Cookie Dough?
by Karen Beaumont
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Who doesn’t love cookie dough? kanga asks, “who’s eating all the cookie dough?” she questions the lion, the zebra, the llama, the cheetah, the hippopotamus, and the monkey. Kids will keep guessing “who” throughout the story, and the ending is a sweet surprise! This book helps children notice the rhyme and repetition of many high-frequency words.
What Will Fat Cat Sit On?
By Jan Thomas
this book makes you laugh! the fat cat is ready to sit on someone! which farm animal will it be? the animals start pointing fingers until someone suggests a chair. ahhh now what will fat cat eat for lunch? This book contains simple text in a question-and-answer format that six- and seven-year-olds love and remember.
The Doghouse
by Jan Thomas
the funny farm characters are back for more kickball fun. the fun changes when the ball is kicked into the doghouse! who will venture to get the ball? children love to engage in the short repetitive text and make guesses about the drama that occurs in the doghouse.
Where Is the Green Sheep?
By Mem Fox
This book is full of all kinds of sheep. you meet scared sheep and brave sheep and many other opposite sheep. the author continues to wonder. . . where is the green sheep? don’t worry, you find it at the end. shh! you guessed it he is fast asleep. This book is full of rhyme and repetition, and I’ve seen it build confidence in young children as they read it over and over again.
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