The Art of the Read Aloud
I'm in second grade and it's my favorite time of the day. The teacher has just called the class over to the rug and pulled out a well-loved paperback copy of Ramona Quimby, Age 8. I listen close, leaning forward as my teacher shares Ramona's silly antics at school. I sigh and think of my own family, as she reads, “She did not want her father's hair to grow thin or her mother's hair to grow gray. She wanted her parents to stay exactly as they were forever and ever.” I never want this story, or this moment, to end.
My second grade teacher was instrumental in developing my deep love of literature that has been at the core of my life ever since. It drove me to become a teacher myself, and then to get an MLIS and become a children's librarian. And now, I get to work with authors and books on the pre-publication side, watching them grow and develop and then sending them off into the hands of teachers and librarians, who I can trust to put the right hands of the right child at the right time...just like Mrs. Molitor did for me.
Reading aloud to children of all ages (yes, even the ones that aren’t little enough to fit on the rug anymore!) can have a lasting impact on their lives. Reading aloud not only builds classroom community, but also improves vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and generates discussions that help listeners to connect ideas and construct meaning.
Here are some tips for making the most of your read aloud time – whether it’s only a quick 15 minutes at the end of the day or a longer, it’s sure to be the highlight of your students’ day.
- Allow students to vote on the text. This gets the students invested from the beginning. We have a list of great and engaging books to get you started below!
- Create a calm and relaxing environment. Turn off some of the lights and allow students to sit in their chairs or on the floor.
- Use your expertise. Read alouds are an effective teaching tool when teachers pause to explain a new vocabulary word or ask a quick comprehension question.
- Have fun with it! Be animated, change up your voice, or even use props.
- Allow time for conversation. Reserve a few minutes at the end for students to turn-and-talk or lead a whole class discussion on a particularly exciting passage.
Great Read Alouds
Of course I have to start here! This Newbery Honor title from the amazing Beverly Cleary is a classic read aloud for a reason. With relatable characters, complicated emotions, and plenty of humor, Cleary's book has something for every reader to connect with.
Who says a character has to be human for them to be relatable? Resilience is a Mars Rover whose programming has gone a bit awry, causing him to develop humanlike feeligns. Your students will cheer along as he explores the red planet, facing plenty of adversity with determination and courage.
Speaking of non-human characters, your students will absolutely fall in love with Ivan, a gorilla who has spent 27 years living in captivity inside a shopping mall. This book teaches empathy, kindness, and friendship while warming your heart.
Worried about finding the time to read aloud with your students consistently? Try a short story collection, such as You Are Here: Connecting Flights. Each story can be read indpendently and is written by a different author, but they all work together to form a larger narrative. I see a creative writing project in your classroom's future...
One aspect of a great read aloud is how well it hooks in readers, especially reluctant ones. Jewll Parker Rhodes' Treasure Island is full of quick chapters, mystery, and plenty of action to keep your students' full attention!
Reading aloud shouldn't end in 3rd grade, and Efrén Divided is a great book to use with upper elementary students. With strong ties to current events, this book can be a catalyst for meaningful conversation.
And another one that has the ability to really provoke classroom discussion is Sarah Everett's middle grade debut. We've heard that many teachers have started using this as a read aloud with their older students, and the end to this one is guaranteed to bring about debate. However, fair warning to teachers, this one is a tearjerker!