Reading aloud with children is known to be the single most important activity for building the knowledge and skills they will eventually require for learning to read. -Marilyn Jager Adams
I grew up in a family of realtors and often heard the adage “location, location, location” as the three most important elements to search for when buying a new home. I have altered this adage to pertain to teaching. The three most important strategies to use as a classroom teacher are read aloud, read aloud, read aloud.
Reading out loud to students builds vocabulary, concepts of language and of writing. Knowledge is extended along with knowing the power of the printed word, storytelling (an essential tool for learning and retaining information), and comprehension. The process of read aloud builds a love of reading because teachers can model that love when sharing books with students. It is also a means by which students can understanding the metacognitive strategies involved with reading because the teacher is able to model thinking aloud.
Read aloud assists with building classroom community and building a bonding relationship with students. Books are read, shared, and referred to throughout the school year. During a thunderstorm I have often said to my students, “This is a good day for the megrimum!” (Kneeknock Rise, N. Babbitt). Or, “Winn Dixie would not like today.” (Because of Winn Dixie, K. DiCamillo). Through read aloud, I have taught story elements, figurative language, point-of-view, author’s purpose, and social skills. Students are able to snuggle up close and listen. They have a carpet space, pillows, and a park bench. Each year, students decide how to organize these items so they will be used “fairly” throughout the year.
Read aloud assists with connections between past, present, and future, introducing different genres of writing, and any of the curricular areas. Here are some of my favorite read alouds:
- Kneeknock Rise by Natalie Babbit
- Because of Winn Dixie Kate DiCamillo
- Frindle by Andrew Clements
- Punished by David Lubar – use to help teacher figurative language
- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Robert C. O’Brien – great story for working together to solve problems
- The Twins, The Pirates, and the Battle of New Orleans by Harriette Gillem Robinet
- Holes by Louis Sachar – fabulous story for showing how the past and present are connected. I often use this story for writing memoirs. I compled and published my dad’s memoirs Sweet and Sourt Bits as I Travelled Through Life by Sy Kaster. My dad’s story is perfect for connecting with students and showing how certain events in our lives can last a short time, but impact us for a lifetime. My dad was a ball turret gunner in a B-17, flfying 28 missions in WWII for the 8th Air Force. He has some harrowing stories to tell.
- Freak the Mighty and Max the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
- The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L-Engle – used to teach science fiction and reinforce mathematical dimensions.
- The Power of Un by Nancy Ethemendy – cause and effect
- Peter Pan by JM Barrie because everyone should know about clapping for Tinkerbell.
Of course, there a many more. Just consider this a beginning.
