March Must-Reads: Engaging Books for K-6 Educators' Read-Alouds
March is a month brimming with opportunities for educators to engage their students in captivating stories that celebrate diversity, history, and the joy of learning. From Pi Day to Women's History Month and everything in between, here are some handpicked read-aloud books to enrich your classroom experience:
1. "Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi" by Cindy Neuschwander
Summary: Join Sir Cumference and Lady Di as they embark on a mathematical adventure to rescue their friend Radius from the Dragon of Pi, exploring the concept of Pi along the way.
Classroom Creative Use: Use this book to introduce students to the concept of pi and its importance in mathematics. Encourage hands-on activities such as measuring circular objects and calculating their circumference to reinforce learning. Grab my Pi Day Sir Cumference book companion resource here.
2. "She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World" by Chelsea Clinton
Summary: This empowering collection highlights the stories of thirteen remarkable women who defied expectations and paved the way for future generations.
Classroom Creative Use: Celebrate Women's History Month by reading about the inspiring achievements of these trailblazing women. Encourage students to research and share stories of other influential women who have made significant contributions to history. Grab my Women’s History Bulletin Board display here.
3. "The Leap Year Book" by Barbara Sutton-Smith
Summary: Explore the fascinating history and traditions behind Leap Day in this informative and entertaining book.
Classroom Creative Use: Use this book to teach students about the concept of leap years and why they occur. Engage students in discussions about time, calendars, and cultural celebrations associated with Leap Day around the world.
4. "How to Catch a Leprechaun" by Adam Wallace
Summary: Follow along as children devise clever traps in their quest to catch a mischievous leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day.
Classroom Creative Use: Spark students' imaginations by inviting them to design and build leprechaun traps using recycled materials. Encourage creativity and critical thinking as students brainstorm strategies to outsmart the elusive leprechaun. Grab my How To Catch A Leprechaun Book Companion & Craft here.
5. "Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Summary: Discover the untold story of the brilliant African American women who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race.
Classroom Creative Use: Use this book to explore themes of perseverance, diversity, and the importance of representation in STEM fields. Encourage students to learn more about the contributions of these remarkable women and reflect on the impact of their achievements. Grab my Hidden Figures Book companion here.
March Must-Reads: Engaging Books for K-6 Educators' Read-Alouds
6. "The Night Before St. Patrick's Day" by Natasha Wing
Summary: Join in the festive fun as children prepare for St. Patrick's Day by setting traps to catch leprechauns and searching for pots of gold.
Classroom Creative Use: Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day by engaging students in themed activities such as creating shamrock crafts, learning traditional Irish dances, and writing their own St. Patrick's Day poems or stories.
7. " All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson" by Carole Boston Weatherford Summary: Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans.
Classroom Creative Use: Spark discussions about representation, equity, and the importance of diverse perspectives in the judicial system by exploring Judge Jackson's memoir and discussing the impact of her nomination to the Supreme Court.
8. "I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark" by Debbie Levy Summary: Discover the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought tirelessly for gender equality and justice for all. Classroom Creative Use: Encourage critical thinking and discussions about social justice, gender equality, and the role of the judiciary in protecting civil rights by exploring Justice Ginsburg's life and landmark cases.
9. "Turning Pages: My Life Story" by Sonia Sotomayor Summary: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shares her love of reading and how books helped her navigate life's challenges and pursue her dreams. Classroom Creative Use: Inspire a love of reading and resilience in students by exploring Justice Sotomayor's story and discussing the transformative power of literature.
In addition to these fantastic read-aloud options, educators can further enhance the learning experience by incorporating related activities and discussions into their curriculum. For example, after reading "She Persisted," students can participate in a research project on influential women in various fields or create presentations highlighting their achievements. Similarly, after reading "Hidden Figures," students can explore the history of the space race and conduct experiments related to space exploration.
As you, March into these captivating reads with your students, don't forget to hop over to my Pi Day blog post for more fun and educational activities to celebrate the mathematical marvel that is Pi Day!
Happy reading and celebrating, educators!
