Reading chapter books aloud "enables listeners to create their own visual images about the characters' appearance, the story setting, and the situations or events that protagonists encounter.  Students' visual response to a novel gives teachers an insight into their personal connections to the story" (Serafini & Giorgis, pg. 63).

     Some activities I would do with students would be to have chapter chats and a book journal for students to write important events, definitions and any ideas they might have.  I also might have students create a "dream jar".  Students can create the jars during art using different materials.  Students can then place all their hopes and dreams (even bad ones) into the jars.

     To support ELL students I would go over vocabulary before, during and after each read aloud time.  I might also have students complete a vocabulary book, they could do this by writing or drawing pictures.  Discussions with partners and the whole class will also provide support for ELL students. 

     I loved this book as a child and I still do as an adult.  The story is hear-warming and funny.  Students can relate to the BFG and will be able to make a personal connection with the characters.

     Roald Dahl has written many amazing children's books, and I do love all of them.  The BFG is a little less known than some of his others; Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

     This is a wonderful read aloud book because of the interaction between the text and the illustrations.  "On the pages of a picture book are simply ink marks and colors.  Meaning is created through the interaction of those various symbols as the reader begins reading" (Serafini & Giorgis, pg. 15).  It is important to note that students need to interact with both the text and the illustrations to create meaning. 

     For this story I might have the students compare and contrast their preconceived notions of the story Cinderella with The Rough-Face Girl.  I would also have older students act out the two versions of Cinderella to show students how stories that are similar can have a very different feeling. 

     To scaffold this story for ELL students I would use realia, and go over key vocabulary before I begin the read aloud.  For the activities I might have the students work in partners or groups.  I might also provide a theme/concept sheet for students.  Lastly, I would probably read the original story of Cinderella to be sure the ELL students will be able to compare the two stories easily. 

     I love this story because it is a fantastic version a classic story.  The illustrations are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and they convey the tone of the story perfectly.