The One and Only Ivan read Alouds
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated May 17, 2024
IVAN Read Alouds To Add To Your Novel Study
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate is a compelling story told from the perspective of a silverback gorilla named Ivan, who lives in captivity at a shopping mall. Ivan, who has grown accustomed to his life behind glass walls, experiences a change in perspective when a baby elephant named Ruby joins him. This heartfelt novel addresses themes of friendship, art, and the complex emotions of animals in captivity, making it a fantastic choice for upper elementary students. The narrative not only captivates young readers but also provides rich material for discussions about empathy, animal welfare, and the power of hope and change. Adding The One and Only Ivan read alouds to your novel study helps to bring the book to life in your classroom by providing background information and more options for students to build connections to the story.
Looking for a COMPLETE novel study to use along with this engaging novel? Click on the image or button below to download a complete unit!
THE TOP “The One and Only Ivan” Read Alouds
Reading aloud in the classroom offers numerous benefits, including improved listening skills, increased vocabulary, and a deeper understanding of the text. Pairing read alouds with a novel study, especially using picture books, enhances the learning experience by providing visual context and engaging students’ imaginations. Picture books can simplify complex themes and make them more accessible, allowing students to connect with the material on a deeper level.
Read on to check out some of my very favorite read alouds to pair with this beautiful story.
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For more information on the benefits of read alouds, be sure to check out our Interactive Read Aloud Guide!
Gorillas by Seymour Simon
Summary: Gorillas by Seymour Simon is an informative picture book that offers beautiful full color photos paired with interesting facts about gorillas. This book gives students a factual basis for understanding the species, making it one of the best The One and Only Ivan read alouds you can include in your next novel study.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This book helps students differentiate between fiction and nonfiction, and provides a deeper understanding of Ivan’s species. It’s perfect for sparking discussions about animal behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts. It also makes a great choice for individual research projects!
A Mom for Umande by Maria Faulconer
Summary: A Mom for Umande tells the true story of a baby gorilla named Umande who was raised by zookeepers and later adopted by a surrogate gorilla mother. The book is heartwarming and highlights themes of care and the importance of family bonds.
Why It’s a Great Choice: When it comes to The One and Only Ivan read alouds, this story is an excellent choice. It offers a real-world example of the challenges and triumphs of gorilla care in captivity. Also, it complements the themes of caregiving and companionship found in The One and Only Ivan.
Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids by Kristen Fischer
Summary: Zoo Zen follows a young girl named Lyla as she learns yoga poses inspired by zoo animals. The story combines fun illustrations with gentle guidance on mindfulness and physical activity.
Why It’s a Great Choice: This book introduces students to the concept of zoos from a unique angle, promoting physical and mental wellness. It’s an excellent way to discuss how zoos can be places of learning and connection with animals. I really love to use it for brain breaks in my classroom, as it incorporates movement in calm ways related to our reading.
Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends by Carol Buckley
Summary: This nonfiction picture book tells the heartwarming true story of an unlikely friendship between an elephant named Tarra and a dog named Bella at an elephant sanctuary.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Tarra & Bella mirrors the themes of friendship and companionship seen in The One and Only Ivan. Your students will be quick to connect the relationship of Tarra and Bella to that of Ivan and Bob. It provides a real-life example of animal bonds and can inspire discussions about empathy and interspecies relationships.
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate
Summary: No list of The One and Only Ivan read aloud is complete without this picture book! This story, also by Katherine Applegate, tells the true story of Ivan, the gorilla who inspired the novel. It provides a factual account of Ivan’s life and his journey from captivity to a zoo.
Why It’s a Great Choice: Pairing this book with the novel offers students a comprehensive view of Ivan’s story, blending fiction and nonfiction. It enriches their understanding and appreciation of Ivan’s life and legacy.
For more great read alouds, be sure to check out our favorite picture books for teaching growth mindset, diverse picture books, and picture books for teaching about September 11th!
Summary
Incorporating The One and Only Ivan read alouds enriches the learning experience by engaging students with complementary stories that deepen their understanding of the novel’s themes. Using picture books that explore similar topics, such as gorillas, zoo life, and animal companionship, helps to build a well-rounded and empathetic perspective in young readers. This approach not only enhances reading comprehension but also fosters a love for literature and a deeper connection to the stories they read.
Looking for a Complete Novel Study?
Click on the image or button below to download a COMPLETE novel study to go along with this engaging story. Comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, projects, and graphic organizers are included!
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