Every day we end with a relaxing twenty minute Read Aloud. Our groupings change according to the content of the book. This fall we split into two groups. The older children (in grades 3 – 8) listened to J. R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit on the upstairs rug. This book completely captivated our students, so much so that we are creating with paper mache and paint a three dimensional “Hobbit World.” When finished this transformed washing machine box will provide hours of imaginative play for the whole school. After finishing the book the whole school enjoyed watching an animated version of the story.

The younger students (in grades K-2) listened to a variety of books including Warton and Morton by Russell Erickson, and all three books in the My Father’s Dragon series by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Most recently we read The Troll by Michael Berenstain.

During Read Aloud children can draw in their sketchbooks, or just lie and listen. Every book we read generates rich discussions about character, plot and vocabulary. It is a lovely way to end our day.