I love, love, love read alouds. I strongly believe they are an essential component of reading instruction. Sometimes, I struggle choosing a read aloud because there are so many incredible options. I hope the criteria I have created helps you choose an amazing read aloud for your class.
Here Are My Top Reasons for Reading Aloud to Students!
- Give students access to complex text at a higher level than they are currently capable of reading independently
- Provide common texts that all students have read to reference during reading and writing instruction
- Model metacognitive strategies during think alouds
- Use portions of current or past read alouds as mentor text in writing
- Get students hooked on an author or series
- Bond with students through conversations about the read aloud
- Model fluent reading (pacing, punctuation, expression…)
Before switching to my current role as an RTI interventionist, I spent 15 years as a classroom teacher spanning 3rd through 5th grade. My students frequently begged to extend read aloud time and I was happy to oblige.
These read alouds helped us connect with each other, a variety of texts, and the world. Our discussions helped me understand their experiences, knowledge, and how I could better help them. Another way I connect with students is by posting the books I am reading in a visible way around my classroom. Grab a free sample of the poster I use here.
How Do I Choose a Read Aloud?
It’s so hard to select a book. There are so many amazing read alouds out there! My selections vary each year based on the needs/interests of the students in my class. I have a list of criteria I use when selecting a book. A read aloud doesn’t need to meet all of the established criteria, but the list helps with selection.
My Criteria Includes:
- A protagonist my students can identify with – I intentionally choose books with a variety of characters so my students can make connections.
- An author or series with several books students can read after we finish the read aloud.
- Complex text written at or above most of my students reading levels
- Rich vocabulary
- Variety of genres
- Content that is interesting to my students – One year I had a large group of students who loved sports. Reading? Not so much. That year, I read Heat by Mike Lupica. That ignited a fire and Mike Lupica books started flying off the shelves.
- Content that supports standards we are focusing on in class. Several years ago, I taught 4th grade in Virginia. That year, I read Blood on the River: James Town 1607 (Elisa Carbone) as it supported what we were learning in Virginia Studies and presented historically accurate information in an entertaining way.
Are read alouds part of your daily routine? If so, how do you select the books to read each year? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a note in the comments section below.
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