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The Ramped-Up Read Aloud: What to Notice as You Turn the Page

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In this remarkable resource, Maria Walther shares two page read aloud experiences for 101 picture books that tune you into what to notice, say, and wonder in order to bolster students’ literacy exponentially.  A first grade teacher for decades, Maria is a master of "strategic savoring."  Her lesson design efficiently sparks instructional conversations around each book’s cover illustration, enriching vocabulary words, literary language, and the ideas and themes vital to young learners. Teachers, schools, and districts looking to energize your core reading and writing program, search no The Ramped Up Read Aloud delivers a formula for literacy development and a springboard to joy in equal parts.

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2018

75 people are currently reading
363 people want to read

About the author

Maria P. Walther

11 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
535 reviews21 followers
Read
April 7, 2020
This is a great resource for teachers and librarians alike, but really geared towards classrooms teachers that are looking for ways to incorporate read-aloud time as more than just "fun". The author however makes sure to point out that the first step is FUN!! I found some cool new titles for storytimes, and its always helpful to have more ways to think about picture books for many ages!!
Profile Image for Sherrie.
537 reviews35 followers
October 30, 2020
tremendous resourse for media specialists and classroom teachers
Profile Image for Bethe.
6,911 reviews69 followers
January 20, 2023
As a librarian, I must first state that a read aloud book should be read straight through with no interruptions, except for child/audience generated clarifications or questions. If using the book for a lesson, read the book, then go back and make the points. That said, this book is filled with tons of lesson ideas and picture book connections. The featured books are at least 5 years old. Great for browsing by book or skill with the extensive index. May be an option for last minute sub plans. I’m sure I would prefer the print book over the ebook I read.
Profile Image for Kris Patrick.
1,521 reviews92 followers
March 25, 2019
Love all the professional references. She cites all my favorites! Great investment for any PreK-3 teacher.

Maria is coming to Indiana State Literacy Association 2019 Conference! She couldn't be any lovelier on email. Can't wait to meet her in person!

http://isla2019.eventbrite.com
Profile Image for Christin Lozano.
Author 2 books1 follower
December 20, 2021
Excellent resource for teachers, librarians and parents alike! Thank you for writing this!!
Profile Image for Melissa at The Reading Roundup.
10 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2021
Thank you @corwin_press for sending me a copy of this book. I feel fortunate to have been given such an absolute gold mine!

"The Ramped-Up Read Aloud" by Maria Walther begins by offering the reader reasons why read alouds are an essential component of our literacy block. It also provides valuable tips for making your read alouds even more effective.

But the absolute BEST part of the book are the practical lessons it provides. Teachers can use the provided read aloud lessons to teach various skills. This includes reading comprehension strategies (such as making connections and character analysis) as well as social-emotional themes (like growth mindset and embracing our differences).

For each lesson, they recommend a book to use and offer similar titles as another alternative. Teachers are provided with specific prompts to use before, during, and after reading as well as extension activities. PLUS there are printable reading response pages and book trailers!

While the target audience of the book is K-2 teachers, upper elementary teachers would also be able to incorporate these lessons with their students!
Profile Image for jennyreadit.
829 reviews73 followers
January 30, 2021
WOW! What a resource!
Dr. Walther takes the purposeful read-aloud to the next level in this book. I purchased the book on Saturday, received it and read it on Sunday and taught a lesson from it on Monday. Yes, it is THAT easy to use! Unlike other book lists of teaching ideas using read aloud titles, Dr. Walther provides very explicit learning targets, prompts for before-during and after the reading, vocabulary found within the read aloud, writing and extension suggestions as well as alternate titles for teaching the same learning target.
Also included with each title are suggestions for supporting children that may not "get" the concept the first time. The book is divided into color coded chapters of " inferring big ideas/theme" "character development," "literary elements" and more! In addition, the vocabulary cards are online, so all a teacher has to do is locate a copy of the book, print the vocab. cards ( if he/she chooses) and go!
A must have for new and veteran teachers alike!


Profile Image for Cynthia Hopp.
10 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2018
Dr. Walther is highly dedicated to children and teachers. Her passion for helping teachers teach quality lessons is apparent in all of her professional books. However, this Ramped Up Read Aloud Book is by far the best! She has actually used each and every one of the books listed within and has given tried and true information and lessons. She has given the framework so teachers can use her information and tweak it based on age levels of children. Knowing she’s experienced these picture books cover to cover makes reading this Ramped Up Book a joy. I personally love that when I read about a particular picture book she has reviewed that ideas and activities come to mind because she’s laid the foundation for teachers to use and be creative based on the needs of his/her students. Thank you Maria and can’t wait to see what is in store next.
11 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2019
“The Ramped-Up Read Aloud: What to Notice as You Turn the Page” is a must-have for any K-3 teacher and even beyond. This resource promotes the use of read alouds in the classroom to not only build vocabulary and deep thinking, but also to build positive relationships, empathy and joy in the classroom. The author, Maria Walther, begins with ten reasons to use read alouds and then give six secrets to successful read aloud experiences. These include book selection, finding a comfy place to read and listen and even meaningful technology connections.
The real attraction of this book however are the six chapters that follow. Walther has lesson plans for 101 read alouds that she calls “picture book conversations”. They are organized by purpose and include before, during, and after thinking to do with your class. To teach empathy and character feelings, Walther suggests the book, “Nerdy Birdy”. To teach how characters change, use “Hannah and Sugar”. For a lesson in story elements, use “Mother Bruce” and for making predictions, use “Bunny’s Book Club”. This professional resource also includes lessons to use in writing. Start conversations about rhyming with “Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs”. Inspire use of striking words in nonfiction writing with “Hippos are HUGE”.
The list goes on and on... 101 read alouds worth! It is certainly a book that any teacher would bookmark all over with Post-it notes and remark that they’ll “Have to remember this next year to start the school year” or “Have to remember this when I teach verbs!”. How great to have all this work done for you and right at your fingertips!
2 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2018
Dr. Maria Walther takes her passion for literacy and creates a comprehensive resource for anyone who works with young learners. The Ramped-Up Read Aloud is set up in a user-friendly format that not only celebrates the importance of the read-aloud experience but incorporates lessons with paired texts that will engage even the most reluctant readers. Dr. Walther's insightful recommendations and lessons will captivate students' engagement, build their literary delight, and cultivate an atmosphere of wonder in the classroom. Organized in a fashion where you can easily grab and go, this resource also allows for differentiation. Dr. Walther has taken the time to read, analyze, and connect hundreds of picture books to help teachers create literary rich classrooms. This book is simply AMAZING!
Profile Image for Maeve.
2,705 reviews26 followers
July 16, 2021
A guide for teachers (and librarians) for reading aloud to children in grades Pre-K to 3. Walther lists 101 books with a guide to leading a comprehensive conversation (before reading, during reading, and after reading), introducing key vocabulary, identifying learning targets, and planning extension activities. She also includes child-friendly definitions to key concepts in comprehension strategies, growth mindset, social-emotional learning, and literary language.

While Walther did a fabulous job compiling a list of books on a range of topics; I really wish that she had included guidance on how to ramp up any book that you read...not just the ones that she has included.
3 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
I love everything by Maria Walther and have been counting down the days for the release of this book! It did not disappoint! This book contains the latest and greatest in picture books to make your read aloud time a huge hit with your class. It is organized in a way that makes it a quick, grab and go resource for teachers. Ideas are easy to implement and are engaging for students. Ideas for differentiation are also included. This is my new go- to resource for my daily read aloud time.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,697 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2019
A list of 101 picture books with suggestions for sharing with students. The author provides questions for the adult reader to use, wonderings, and follow-up activities. These are all tied to teaching points. A great resource for elementary language arts teachers.
Profile Image for Jkeeler.
84 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2020
Love this book-so many great ideas for picture book mentor texts! Picked up this book after hearing Maria Walter speak at the Illinois Reading Council Conference. I have always like using interactive read alouds but I love how current her ideas are! Must have for your primary classroom!
Profile Image for Jenae.
222 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2021
A wonderful resource for teachers and homeschooling parents, especially those with children/students in K-2 (although many of these picture books can be used in older grades as well). I love that all of these books are recently published!
3 reviews
December 19, 2021
This will be a great resource as I work on lesson planning with students. The author has resources and questions to go along with 101 titles, and some of the resources include online resources (videos, worksheets, etc).
Profile Image for Evelyn.
454 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2019
Great ideas. Have used many of the books suggested.
Profile Image for Shelly.
6 reviews
January 2, 2020
This is a great resource for early-elementary teachers.
72 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
What a tremendous resource. Excellent and a must have for teachers of primary grades.
Profile Image for Kristi.
156 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2020
I had fun dreaming about library lessons for the year!
Profile Image for Pam.
1,798 reviews
February 19, 2021
Professional for teachers and librarians. Put on my "to buy" list. Just want to copy it -- LOL. Many different books along with activities, many with SEL connections.
Profile Image for Kylie.
165 reviews17 followers
October 23, 2021
Written for the classroom teacher and excellent for that audience but not as helpful for a homeschool setting.
Profile Image for Stacy Perkins.
48 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2022
This is a very helpful book for a school librarian. I would recommend this to anyone interested in what books to read to elementary aged kids.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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