Hello,
I hope everyone is off to a fabulous school year. I know I am.
I think it is important to revisit the benefits of Read-Alouds to our young readers. Research supports that “… reading aloud is a powerful way to engage children in the literacy process.” (Reading Teacher, Vol 63, No. 2)
The key benefits for read alouds are:
· Increases language usage.
· Enhances listening skills.
· Engages listeners in the process of reading.
· Promotes critical thinking and deeper understanding through discussions.
· Helps the reader make connections to self, other texts and the world.
Here are a few suggestions for how to engage your reader with you:
· Sit side-by-side.
· Read with expression.
· Pause along the way to discuss what has happened so far.
· Make predictions for how the story will end.
· Let your child/students help in the selection process for the next read aloud story.
If you have questions, be sure to send me an e-mail or a comment on my blog.
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
