The Importance of a Classroom Read Aloud

The Importance of a Classroom Read Aloud

Last month I wrote about sparking the interest in reading. Why I write about this, you might ask, because we have many students losing the interest in reading as technology takes a hold of their learning heart. I have more and more students coming in reading below grade level and my primary goal, as the school year begins is to get them to love reading. Once a student loves reading, then the magic of literacy skills begins to take place.

“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” – Roald Dahl

As you think of what books you would like to read aloud, think about books that will tie into the school’s focus. What is the school team trying to teach as a whole? This year we began the year teaching anti-bully lessons because we wanted students to understand the “Stop, Walk, and Talk” strategy in hope to put a stop to bullying. It is great to teach the lessons, but my thoughts went beyond in thinking about what I can add, as the teacher, to add realia to their learning. I quickly thought of one of my favorite stories, “Wonder”, because that is a story that would bring the learning to life. As the reading began, students were interested, looked forward to the fifteen minute reading after lunch, and wanted to discuss what was happening in the story. I kept it simple and fun for my students to look at reading with a different eye, than what they are used to during shared/guided reading.

If you don’t personally enjoy reading to your kids, not to worry! Picking your proficient and advanced readers is a great experience for them to read aloud in front of the class and lead a discussion on the reading. My proficient readers love this and even enjoy helping readers that struggle with the read aloud. Another fun experience we’ve had is watching a read aloud from space! If you go on www.storytimefromspace.com you will have the opportunity to observe your students absorbing the connection of science and reading as an Astronaut reads to them! J

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

Literacy expert Regie Routman agrees. In Literacy Essentials: Engagement, Excellence, and Equity for All Learners, she calls reading aloud an "indispensable first step in reaching and teaching [students]."

"It slows us down, relaxes us, reminds us of the joy and inspiration of a well-crafted story. Being read to puts us in the frame of mind for learning and increases literacy achievement," she writes. (Education Update, Varlas, Laura, “Why Every Class Needs Read Alouds”, ASCD.org)

As you continue through the year, think about the story tie-in to the curriculum or maybe the tie-in to holidays to make connections in knowing the “why” we celebrate or give honor to a specific person. Personally, for November and December, I chose to read, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” to bring in a fantasy story that ties into Wonders Unit 2, Animal Stories. Then in January and February, I continue with Unit 3 biography stories that can bring in more discussions of government and delivering justice. Finally, I end the year with “Island of the Blue Dolphins” that allows for better understanding of the social studies stories in units 5 and 6. The read-aloud stories are above my students’ reading level and most would probably never get read to at home; therefore I want to give my students the opportunity to have someone read to them and take them on a reading adventure that can bring magic into their world!

Live, Love, TEACH and a very Merry Christmas to all!