Falling for Words: 8 Interactive Lesson Plans for Autumn
Back in September, we launched the school year with eight interactive read-alouds designed to fill your classroom with curious word growers—books like Calvin Gets the Last Word, Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends, and How to Apologize that helped students build community, joy, and vocabulary right from day one.
Now that routines are in place and the seasons are shifting, we hope your students continue their wondrous word-learning journey with some of our fall favorites.
These interactive read-alouds show how animals (and sometimes knights!) adapt, work together, and grow through change—inviting joyful conversations about teamwork, courage, and community while weaving in vocabulary, science, and SEL learning.
Together, these two collections—Back-to-School and Falling for Words—not only help build a socially aware classroom, but also provide standards-based lessons that meet academic rigor. In a school day where there’s never enough time, these lessons are a true win-win for both students and educators!
by Christie Matheson
Join the animals and follow the clues in this rollicking, rhyming, nature-inspired whodunit story full of fun collective nouns!
Those Darn Squirrels Fly South
by Adam Rubin
Even for a grump like Old Man Fookwire, summer is a glorious time. But once fall arrives, his beautiful birds fly south. But where do they exactly go, and what do they do once they get there? The squirrels - and Fookwire - are determined to find out.
by Christopher Denise
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.
Owls by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons' Owls celebrates the similarities and differences in the many species of owls, from large to small, living in diverse environments and making many different kinds of nests. The book covers basics of owl behavior, information on how they hunt, and the many factors that have led some types of owls to become endangered. The boldly colored illustrations feature clear labeling, and all new words are defined and reinforced with clear, simple language, appropriate for young readers. The book also features a page of intriguing owl trivia.
by Christopher Denise
“Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe?”
by Hannah Salyer
“An inspiring celebration of how togetherness helps many creatures thrive, in both nonhuman and human communities. [This book] reminds us that teamwork is universal, there is brilliance in biodiversity, and there is strength in numbers.”
The Scarecrow: A Fall Book for Kids
by Beth Ferry
This tender and affectionate story reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others—a tale that will inspire and delight children for generations to come. All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing.…
by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons explores the many reasons why animals migrate, using direct sentences, maps, infographics, and illustrations. Featuring over 30 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fishes, this nonfiction picture book is perfect for aspiring zookeepers and animal-lovers. Fully vetted for accuracy by James Doherty, Curator Emeritus, The New York Zoological Society.
We hope you and your students love these books as much as we do!
