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When you return from winter break, it’s time to add the reading lists and academics back into the schedule. So if you are searching for winter read-alouds that excite and captivate students, here is a short list to get you started. These tried-and-true books are classroom favorites around the globe. So grab them for your classroom and invite students to read them independently or read them aloud for some whole group fun.
Your older students will love this adorable story about doing the unexpected in winter. But, of course, when it’s cold outside, you don’t crave ice-cold lemonade, or do you? While students can easily read this book independently, it makes an adorable read-aloud for literacy time. Get them thinking about things that don’t always make sense and encourage them to put their spin on reality.
This hilarious story is perfect for kids of all ages. Add it to your winter read-alouds this season, and let your students have a little fun. The book is full of descriptive words. Have students write down words they see and hear and then brainstorm synonyms or antonyms as a fun literacy activity afterward.
Just like kids, marshmallows have big ambitions and unique ideas. But these adorable marshmallows aren’t like most marshmallows that go to marshmallow school and have friends. Add this book to your winter read-alouds before completing a marshmallow STEM project, or discuss social-emotional topics about being yourself.
This is simply a classic and needs to be told in every classroom. The pictures are AMAZING; kids will love finding the hidden clues and images on each side panel. Read this story to students young and old and spark intrigue as they consider the animals, habitats, and experiences.
This fun winter read-aloud shows students that wishes do come true, often in unexpected ways. As Charles and his friend hunt for the wish tree, they encounter some fantastic things! Show your students what it means to persevere and discuss the characteristics of the characters. Students will love winter read-alouds like this.
This call-and-answer story is a beautiful illustration of winter in the woods. A father and his daughter venture throw the snowy night and encounter many amazing sights beneath the owl moon. Read this to your students to inspire them as they write poetry and other beautiful pieces.
If you do winter STEM projects with your upper elementary students, read this story to get their creative juices flowing. This is the story of the man who discovered the patterns and designs within snowflakes. Take kids on a journey of wonder and beauty as they study snowflakes and all they can do with them.
This chapter book is an exciting story about a young boy tasked with climbing Mount Everest. It’s full of twists and turns and tons of snow. Read this story aloud with your students or invite them to read it alone. Kids will love the adventure in the book and the heartwarming message.
Add this lovely chapter book to your winter read-alouds to learn about friendship from all sorts of souls. Kids will love hearing you read it during literacy block, or they will enjoy it on their own in the reading corner. So many lessons are learned from this tear-jerker.
The captivating story is about the National Dogsled Race and is a tale of danger and adventure. Follow Willy as he tries to save the family farm with the help of some lovable dogs and characters. This is the perfect winter read-aloud for older students. Use it as a whole group story or an at-home assignment.
This classic will surely bring a smile to all your students’ faces. Upper elementary kids will enjoy the silly stories within and the hilarious penguins. Books like this are fantastic for character analysis and mentor texts in the classroom.
Use these fantastic winter read-alouds in your classroom to warm your chilly classroom this season. Students will enjoy the short picture books and the chapter books. Add them to your collection and let kids go on their own journey, reading them independently. Have fun reading!
Check out these book lists for upper elementary as well:
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