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Part 5: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers: Years 3 to 6 – Reading Aloud

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In part five of the podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers in grades 3-6, Sharon and Phil explore the power of reading aloud. They discuss how reading aloud enhances fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, supported by research from organisations like ALEA and the International Literacy Association. They emphasise the importance of selecting diverse and complex texts to engage students and build a deeper understanding of reading, making it a critical daily practice for teachers.

The Power of Reading Aloud

The strategy of reading aloud is fundamental for supporting struggling readers. This isn't just about reading to children for enjoyment, but about utilizing read-aloud sessions as a powerful teaching tool. The benefits are manifold:

  • Increased Fluency: Listening to a fluent adult reader helps students improve their own reading fluency.
  • Enhanced Comprehension: It aids in developing comprehension skills by exposing students to a model of expressive and intonated reading.
  • Vocabulary Expansion: Students encounter new words in context, which helps in building their vocabulary.
  • Background Knowledge: It broadens students' knowledge base, making it easier for them to understand diverse texts.
  • Sense of Story and Text Structure: Listening to stories helps students grasp narrative structures and genres, which are crucial for reading comprehension.

Integrating Read Aloud in Daily Teaching

A teacher reading aloud daily is a research-backed strategy that significantly benefits struggling readers. It isn't just about filling time; it's a purposeful activity that incorporates numerous aspects of the reading process. When students listen to a fluent reader, they experience the integration of decoding, comprehension, and fluency in real-time.

Choosing Books for Read Aloud

Selecting the right books for read-aloud sessions requires intentionality:

  • Diverse Texts: Choose books that cover a range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and informational texts.
  • Higher-Level Texts: Select books that are above the students' independent reading levels. This challenges their thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Community of Listeners: Ensure that all students, especially struggling readers, are included in the read-aloud experience.

Planning for Effective Read Aloud Sessions

Effective read-aloud sessions require planning. Consider the following:

  • Intentionally Select Texts: Think about the types of books you want your students to experience over the year. Aim for a balance of genres and complexity.
  • Engage Students: Bring students close during read-aloud sessions. This fosters a sense of community and allows them to see your gestures and expressions, which aid in understanding.
  • Use Visual Aids: Pre-write new and interesting words or phrases on a chart or whiteboard. This helps students engage with the text and expands their vocabulary.

Incorporating Student Thinking

Engaging students in thinking about the text during read-aloud sessions is crucial. Instead of merely asking questions, guide them to think deeply about the story:

  • Summarising Strategies: Teach students to notice significant events and summarise chapters. This helps them understand the plot and structure of the story.
  • Thinking Aloud: Model thinking strategies by verbalizing your thought process as you read. However, ensure that students also do much of the thinking.
  • Complex Texts: Use read-aloud sessions to expose students to more complex texts, helping them understand how to deal with intricate ideas and vocabulary.

The Joy and Purpose of Reading

Reading aloud is not just about imparting knowledge; it also brings joy and excitement to the reading process. It helps students, especially struggling readers, see the beauty and wonder of books. Moreover, it reinforces the purpose of reading as a means to access information, understand the world, and foster empathy.

Extending the Read Aloud Experience

To make the most of read-aloud sessions, consider these additional strategies:

  • Building a Diverse Library: Continuously update your classroom library with new and interesting books. Visit bookstores, consult librarians, and stay informed about new releases.
  • Connecting with Students: Choose books that resonate with students' interests but also expose them to new perspectives and worlds.
  • Practical Arrangements: Ensure that your read-aloud setup allows all students to engage fully. Keep everyone close and attentive.

Conclusion

Reading aloud is a high-impact strategy that addresses various aspects of the reading process. For struggling readers, it offers a way to engage with complex texts and develop essential reading skills. By thoughtfully planning and executing read-aloud sessions, teachers can create a rich, inclusive, and dynamic reading environment that benefits all students. The ultimate goal is to foster a love for reading and ensure that every student progresses as a reader.

LISTEN TO THIS WEEK'S PODCAST HERE.

TEACHIFIC RESOURCE (NEW): 

LITERACY ASSOCIATIONS

ARTICLES

PODCAST WITH MISTY ADONIOU

BOOKS

PODCASTS RECOMMENDING BOOKS

 MEM FOX PODCAST ON HOW TO READ ALOUD

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