Read Aloud

I read the story entitled, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. I picked this story out because I remember reading it to my niece this summer and she loved it. Consequently, I read the story so much that I practically had the book memorized. I was feeling a little beat down from my previous lesson about teaching the three states of water to kindergarteners so I wanted a confidence booster. I read this story with enthusiasm and I think the children enjoyed it so much because they could tell that I was having a great time. I tried to think about what makes a great story and why I love read alouds. I realized that as a child I loved read alouds because I honestly felt like I was in the story. I loved the smooth narration and when teachers would change their voice to match the characters. When the author wrote, “boom, boom, boom on his big hungry feet,” I stopped my feet loud so the children could feel the bear in the room. In addition when the bear would “sniff, sniff, sniff” I took large inhales through my nose. I found that the children were completely silent for the story because they were so involved. I really enjoyed this read aloud and I am looking forward to more.