Make
Time for Read-Aloud Every Day
Bonding Time
Every
day my students and I spend one-half hour lost in another world,
on a "tiny vacation," as Rosemary Wells describes this
magical time when reading aloud with children. In the midst of a
hectic school day, away from the pressures of fractions, away from
the whir of computers, this is a time of "privacy and intense
love," as Rosemary Wells describes in Read to Your Bunny.
Short of a fire drill or other element out of your control, your
complete attention will be given to students while sharing a great
book.
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Tips
for a Successful Read-Aloud Time
- Be
familiar enough with the book to know its beats, its whispers,
surprises, and exclamations.
- Explain
to students that as you read the story they should listen,
forming ideas and images in their own minds.
- Assure
students that time will be made for discussion following
the read-aloud.
- Minimize
distractions — consider placing a "Read-Aloud-in-Progress"
sign on your door, asking visitors to return after Read-Aloud.
- Establish
a relaxing atmosphere. Gather students closely around you,
turn off a row of lights if possible; and hold the book
so the illustrations are easily viewed by all.
- Read
a book you enjoy for your enthusiasm to be most genuine.
- Before
reading, ask questions to activate prior knowledge and focus
students' attention on the story to be shared.
- During
time for discussion, be sure to model thoughts that transpired
in your mind as you read the story.
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More Than
"Just" Reading to Students
Research
shows that students who are given exposure to books on a daily basis
by someone who loves books will develop the desire to learn to read.
This intrinsic motivation can do more to help a child learn to read
than all the drill and practice sheets in the world. So, when you
do your best to find time for Read-Aloud every day, you're
doing much more than "just" reading to your students.
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When
you make time for Read-Aloud every day,
you
also make time for...
- Enjoying
the sheer pleasure that books can bring;
- Real-life
exposure to the language and literacy skills students have
been learning throughout the course of the school day;
- Inspiring
beginning readers to plunge onward with their reading efforts;
- Sending
the message that reading books is so important, that time
is made for it every day without exception;
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I think of Read-Aloud as a kind of "snuggle time,"
which can be calming after recess or lunch, a time of reconnecting
before leaving school at the end of the day. The following example
illustrates how I quickly set the stage for Read-Aloud with
a few questions to activate students' prior knowledge and a
few reminders to make the most of this special time of day.
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Read-Aloud
Unifix Vote
For a change of pace, have students select the Read-Aloud of the
day. In the morning, have three possible Read-Aloud selections displayed
for all students to see with a sign that reads What Should We
Read Today? Lay a Unifix cube, counting link, or another similar
item on each student's desk. As students arrive, invite them to
place the object into a cup, or hang from a hole on the poster to
make their selection. Count the objects in each cup to see which
book has the most votes and you're ready for Read-Aloud!
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