Read Aloud

What is a read aloud?

A read aloud is a book that is read aloud to the class by the teacher in a whole group setting. The books that are read during this time are usually chosen for their content and story meaning.

What does a read aloud look like in the classroom?

During a read aloud students sit on the carpet next to a partner. Partners are chosen by the teacher and children are placed together in a way that promotes enriching discussion. The teacher sits in front of the students with a chosen book. Books that are chosen are purposeful and promote rich story discussion. The story is read to students by the teacher. As the teacher reads the story she will stop periodically to model for students how to think about a story out loud. The teacher will also stop periodically to give students the opportunity to "turn and talk" to their partner. The model and "turn and talk" routine will continue until the story is finished. If time permits students may participate in a book talk about the book that was just read.

What is turn and talk?

Turn and talk is when two students turn to each other and have a conversation about the book being read to them. When a teacher turns to the class and asks them to "turn and talk" students should turn to their partners sitting with their legs criss cross looking directly at their partner. In class we say make sure you are sitting knee to knee and eye to eye with your partner. Turn and talk allows students the opportunity to practice how to think aloud about a story. It also gives them the chance to hear a different point of view from their partner.

What is a book talk?

A book talk is a whole group discussion about a particular book. At times students will be asked to participate in a book talk that takes place after a read aloud. They will be asked to discuss specific topics pertaining to the book. This is an activity that is primarily run by the students themselves with some guidance and support from the teacher. During this time students sit in a large circle and offer their insight on the topic of discussion. Students may comment on the topic or add to the comments made by other students.

How will this help my child as a reader?

Read alouds promote comprehension skills in students learning to read. As adults we constantly think and question as we read. Read alouds help to foster that ability in young readers and encourage a higher level of thinking. This is done through the teacher modeling for the student and the student practice that takes place during turn and talk and during a book talk or discussion.