Reading Aloud: Bringing Literature Alive for All Ages Chapter 10
"Reading aloud is a great way to get kids into books—I remember absolutely loving it when the teacher read aloud when I was a kid. I was completely lost in the story." William Sleator
Why Reading Aloud Is Essential
"The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." From Becoming a Nation of Readers, p. 23
Effective in: Increasing interest in reading Language development Building vocabulary Listening comprehension
Effective in: Understanding sentence structure Language used in books Developing a sense of story Fostering awareness of the world Building background knowledge
Critical for Older Readers, Too
Guidelines
Choosing Books Know the selections. Include classics and high- quality samples of genres. Involve students.
Create author's corner. This shelf was full prior to the read aloud! Students have the books at their desks.
Ask students to create displays. Tomie De Paola
Plan Ahead Create setting. Model think-alouds. Tap into students' prior knowledge. Evaluate reading guides.
During the Read-Aloud Animate! Invite interaction. Pace yourself.
After the Read-Aloud
Discussion or other type of response
Listening centers
Pleasure
Support curriculum
See the CD-ROM which came with this text for: List of great read-alouds Searchable database of children's literature Author and illustrator profiles Sample lesson plans incorporating comprehension strategies Visit the COMPANION WEBSITE for: Publishers’ websites (many extras—check them out!)