Structure of an Interactive Read-Aloud Lesson

▸Introduce the text – Engage student interest and activate thinking.

▸Read the text – Stop a few times to invite thinking and a brief conversation. Students may turn and talk in pairs or threes, etc.

▸Discuss the text –Invite students to talk about the book. As students reflect on the meaning of the whole text, guide them toward some of the key understandings and main messages of the text.

▸Revisit the text (optional) – You may want to revisit the book (on the same day or on subsequent days) to reread it, or parts of it, so that students can notice more about how it is crafted and build a deeper meaning.

▸Respond to the text (optional) – Engage students in additional experiences to enhance their appreciation and interpretation of the text, e.g., writing about reading, art, drama, and inquiry-based projects.

Assessment and Record Keeping

As students participate in interactive read-aloud lessons, observe and keep records of student's behaviors and understandings, such as their ability to:

▸Turn and talk about a specific part of the book

▸Use language from the book during discussions

▸Summarize important information

▸Ask genuine questions about the topic or story

▸Respond to reading through writing to demonstrate their thinking within, beyond, and about the book.