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| Top 5 favorite chapter books for beginning readers |
One of the most asked questions I got from parents especially at this time of the year in first grade, was what beginning chapter books should they be introducing to their children? Year after year, the question remains the same. Now that I’m out of the classroom momentarily, I noticed that those same questions are being asked to my online and throughout my friends. No matter how many times this question gets asked, I never mind it. In fact, quite the opposite; I LOVE it!
Teaching my students how to read is one of my all time favorite responsibilities as a teacher and I take that responsibility very seriously. That’s why when I get asked this question, I think very carefully about how I want to answer.
Just because some students start to read chapter books in first grade DOES NOT mean that every child needs or should be reading chapter books at the same time. Children all develop in their reading abilities differently. However, children can all be exposed to chapter books and enjoy them. Whether that’s alone, with friends, or reading with family.
So, that’s why I would like to share 5 of my favorite beginning chapter books that are perfect for both the classroom and to be shared with friends and family at home. These chapter books are sure to get children laughing and connecting with characters that they can learn to love and follow throughout many different adventures. I can’t wait for you to introduce them to their new lifelong friends.
Best Beginning Chapter Books:
1. Ivy and Bean
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows is an incredibly sweet series to get your child started with. About two unlikely friends, Ivy and Bean, who team up on many different adventures. Their relationship is sure to connect with other young readers and their antics provide many opportunities for important discussions and tons of laughs.
2. Magic Tree House Series
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne is always a class favorite! Children quickly become interested in the time traveling pair of Jack and his sister Annie and their magical tree house. Osborne does a fantastic job teaching children true facts about the places that Jack and Annie travel to while keeping it entertaining and fun! These are sure to be a hit and there are so many adventures to choose from.
3. Junie B. Jones
There is so much to say about Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, I don’t even know where to start. Every year, without fail my students fall head over heels for Junie B. Jones, do NOT forget the B! It would be difficult almost impossible to find a child (and an adult) who doesn’t laugh along with Junie’s hijinks at school and at home. Children can easily relate to the ever day antics of Junie, her family life, and school struggles. I can’t say enough good things about this series.
4. My Weird School Series
My Weird School Series is another classic and hilarious choice for a beginning chapter book for your kids! Every book is full of hilarious actions by the weird and crazy teachers and their students who are trying to figure it all out. Children love A.J. and his friends and can’t get enough of the crazy teachers and administrators in the weird school series. These books will have your children laughing out loud and begging for the next one.
5. Henry and Mudge
If you’re looking for an incredibly sweet relationship between a child and his dog, then Henry and Mudge is the perfect series for you. Cynthia Rylant does an incredible job of using simple but effective text and illustration to bring the characters to life. The chapters in each book are very short so students feel even more accomplished when they complete it. It’s a series that children are sure to love and want to follow along with. Mudge is especially fun to get to know!
I hope you have found some new titles here today for your classroom or home library. These characters are sure to find a special place in yours and your child’s hearts.
Happy reading!
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| Top 5 favorite chapter books for beginning readers |
Helpful Resources:
Make sure to check out these reading comprehension follow up and activities!
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