Reading aloud is appropriate for all students, including those who already read accurately and fluently. In fact, according to Effective Literacy Practice: Years 5-8, it should be a daily part of every classroom.

Reading aloud to students:

• Frees them from the labour of decoding
• Supports them in becoming active listeners and critical thinkers
• Enriches their vocabulary
• Allows them to develop new insights into the way language works
• Gives them exposure to complex themes and ideas
• Promotes and fosters a love of reading

What is the teacher's role?

• Choose a variety of the best of children's and young adult's literature
• Read the text aloud with fluency and expression
• Model a love for books and reading aloud
• Support and encourage students' responses
• Facilitate learning conversations

Resources

There are many websites that give good ideas for 'read-alouds'.

Chapter Chat is a Twitter Book Chat for New Zealand kids. The twitter chat is based around a chapter book which is read aloud in class. The twitter book chat is on every Friday at 10-10.45am. The chat is based around 10 questions which are generated from the story. Also each week tasks are posted for the kids to complete and they share them during the chat.