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Reading
Aloud/Readi
ng To

Rosie Robinson
MPS Literacy Leader

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Why read aloud?

Foundation to literacy development.

it is the single most important activity for reading success

(Bredekamp, Copple & Neuman, 2000)

Models fluent, phrased reading

Understanding of how a story is written and familiarity with

book conventions eg. Once upon a time.

Relationship between printed word and meaning

Students are able to comprehend a higher level text than

they can read eg. more complex ideas.

Exposes less able readers to same rich and engaging books

as fluent readers

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Choosing Good Books

Need to be exposed to a wide range of stories and books

They need to see how characters in books handle the

same fears, interests and concerns they they
experience. (Barton & Booth, 1990)

Make connections range of culturally diverse books

Books that invite children to respond with enthusiasm

and understanding

Choose books that have: rich language, meaningful

plots, exciting characters and engaging illustrations
(Gambrell & Almasi, 1996)

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Some questions to ask

Is the book worthy of a readers and listeners time?

Does the story sound good to the ear when read aloud?

Will it appeal to your audience?

Will children find the book relevant to their lives and culture?

Will the book spark conversation?

Will the book motivate deeper topical understanding?

Does the book inspire children to find or listen to another book

on the same topic? By the same author? Written in the same
genre?

Is the story memorable?

Will children want to hear the story again?

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What does reading aloud look
like at different levels?

New Entrants?

Juniors?

Seniors?

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Connection is the key!

Connect:

the book to their own life experience

...the book to other literature they have read
connect what they are reading to universal concepts
(Keene & Zimmermann, 1997)

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Use reading aloud to teach
comprehension.

Requires planning

Setting up a safe environment of thinking, listening,

and discussion

Be ready to: model connections, ask questions,

encourage discussion

Allow for diversions this allows children to make

meaning and to share connections that are relevant to
them (which may not be to others in class)

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Titles for Reading Aloud
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco
Dumpling Soup by
The book with no pictures by