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Best "Chapter Books" To Read AloudMay 12 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Since my parents started reading "chapter books" to me when I was no more than four, I don't hesitate to introduce them to my first-graders. At first they have a hard time listening without any pictures to look at, but I encourage them to make the pictures in their minds and before long they are listening eagerly and anticipating the next chapter. Sometimes I will stop for a moment and explain a difficult word or concept, but I have found that they usually are able to figure things out as they follow the story. Over the years I have discovered which books seem to be the most popular, sparking interest, excitement, and discussion. Top of the list: "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. My students are enthralled from the first chapter, when Lucy goes into the wardrobe and finds the magical land of Narnia. I am amazed at how well they grasp the story's symbolism, and utterly delighted when, at recess, they "play Narnia." It beats Pokemon any day! Another popular book, one that evokes a lot of giggles, is "Ramona the Pest" by Beverly Cleary. I am amused to hear my students say things like, "Remember when we were in kindergarten and we thought..." as if it were so long ago. They can relate to Ramona's feelings and experiences, and also enjoy "Ramona the Brave" and "Ramona Quimby, Age 8." Their favorite chapter in "Ramona the Pest" is ALWAYS "Ramona's Engagement Ring" because it involves worms and mud! "Charlotte's Web" is usually the first chapter book I read each year, because the chapters are short and the story is familiar to most of the students. My school is in a farming community and those who don't actually live on a farm have friends who do, so the setting is also familiar. This timeless story of a girl, a pig, and a spider often moves these little guys to tears, and it's a great catalyst for discussion about the cycle of birth, life, and death. "Stuart Little" is another E.B. White classic. The whole premise of a mouse that acts like a human being is hilarious to first graders; they especially love the chapter where Stuart is a substitute teacher. Because the ending does not really resolve anything, I encourage the kids to imagine their own endings. Does Stuart ever find Margalo? what happens if and when he does? I save "Alice in Wonderland" for late in the year, when the children have a better grasp of puns and such, and therefore are able to understand the humor. Every year, "mock turtle soup" brings down the house, with "bread-and-butterflies" a close second. Alice's adventures with all of the odd and comical characters are a feast for the imagination. I also recommend "Little House in the Big Woods" and "Little House on the Prairie." Children love to hear about what people did back before there were shopping malls, television sets, and even electricity. There is enough action and interesting detail to keep kids interested; I use these books when we do our pioneer unit and they are always a hit. Last year the students asked if they could go on a field trip to Missouri so that they could visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and see Pa's fiddle! There are many other books that I recommend; try "The Secret Garden" and an abridged version of "Tom Sawyer." Children are never too young to be exposed to good language and classic literature, and if they wiggle a bit at first, just keep at it. Eventually they will learn to listen and to enjoy.  |
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