Creating the Read Aloud Atmosphere

Preparing for an effective read aloud entails more than just selecting the right book and planning related activities. A meaningful read aloud also involves setting the tone to ensure listeners are engaged. Here are a few tips to consider in creating a successful read aloud atmosphere.

Allow time for students to settle as you make yourself comfortable. Whether you are sitting in a low chair or on the floor, be sure that each child can see the book. Remember, you are creating a community of learners. If they have to elbow each other to see it will defeat your efforts.
Some teachers even "dress" for the occasion. I remember one first grade teacher wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella as she prepared to read Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to her class. Talk about building anticipation! Other teachers create their own rituals: "Here's the reading puppet" OR "Let's settle in as we pass around the listening stick."

As you read, move the book around (either while reading or after reading each page) so that each student can see the illustrations. Most picture books depend on the illustrations to tell the story and students are "reading" the pictures while you are reading the words. If there are no (or few) pictures, pause and look at your listeners.

Pace your reading to allow time for the student listeners to think about what they are hearing. Read with expression; create a mood. Modulate your voice to reflect emotions and emphasize key points. Give young students an opportunity to add to the story with appropriate noises. For example, have students use their fingers to drum out the sound of soft or hard rain. Also, consider using motions for emphasis, but do not overdo it. Instead use natural and comfortable movements.

Finally, reading aloud does not come naturally for everyone, but don't despair. Practicing will make it much more comfortable. And the time spent practicing is definitely worthwhile.

WORD OF ADVICE: Do not read a book aloud that you have not read yourself beforehand!

More About Read Alouds

Selecting the read aloud...

Choose an appropriate book based on a specific reading purpose: exploring author's craft, introduction of key vocabulary, relating to specific content, or some other clearly defined purpose. Choose a book or section of a book that lends itself to being read aloud that supports your goal or purpose. Ask yourself, does the text flow? Is the topic engaging? Are there opportunities for stopping points to wonder aloud? Does the text inspire questions? Consider locating relevant artifacts, illustrations or other hands-on materials that might support the text and foster student questions. Finally, think about connections to other literature-- by this author, on this topic or in this genre. Also, consider collecting related books for a classroom reading display.

Planning the read aloud...

Think about the focus for your read aloud. Identify any key words or concepts to discuss in context as you read the text. Mark "talking points" where you want to:

• stop and reflect or ask questions.
• support the target skill or purpose.
• develop open-ended questions to stimulate students minds and imaginations.
• use the questions to keep children involved in the book.
• plan related activities to follow or precede the read aloud.

Additional hints and Do's and Don'ts can be found in the Book Pals Reading Tips web site. Scroll down and visit the "More Reading Tips" pages: http://www.bookpals.net/cgi-bin/bookfinder/index.pl?page=tips

Read Alouds

As I continue to observe interactive read alouds in the classrooms here at Keowee Elementary, I thought I would create a series of postings on the benefits of this important literacy strategy.

What are read alouds and what can they do for instruction?
A read aloud is a planned oral reading of a book. The read aloud can be used to engage the student listener while developing background knowledge, increasing comprehension skills, and fostering critical thinking. A read aloud can be used to model the use of reading strategies that aid in comprehension. Reading aloud good books often becomes a tradition and favorite activity in the classroom!

Benefits of using read alouds...
One of the most important things adults can do in preparing children for success in school and in reading is to read aloud with them. Listeners build listening and comprehension skills through discussion during and after reading. Listeners increase their vocabulary foundation by hearing words in context. Listeners improve their memory and language skills as they hear a variety of writing styles and paraphrase their understanding. Listeners gain information about the world around them. Listeners develop individual interests in a broad variety of subjects and they develop imagination and creativity: what better way to build skills which foster inquiry?

Read alouds can be used to...

• introduce lessons


• provide an introduction to new concepts and build vocabulary


• invite conversation and generate questions for discussion


• model divergent thinking and develop multiple perspectives


• model different problem-solving approaches


• examine the colorful illustrations and photographs


• increase awareness of words


• model fluent reading


• show the range of topics, styles, and genres in written language


• extend and layer on existing knowledge