Part 6: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Reading Aloud (2)

7 Jun 2024

Reading aloud in the classroom is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for fostering literacy among students, particularly those who struggle with reading. This blog post, based on a podcast discussion (part 2), delves into various aspects of reading aloud and provides practical advice for teachers of students in Years 3 to 6.

The Importance of Reading Aloud

Reading aloud should be an intentional part of every school day, as emphasized by educational experts like Allington and Gabriel. It's not a filler activity but a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction. Consistently integrating read-aloud sessions ensures that children, especially those who struggle with reading, have the opportunity to experience rich, engaging texts.

Expanding Horizons with Diverse Texts

When selecting books for read-aloud sessions, it's crucial to choose texts that expand students' horizons. Instead of picking books that reflect students' existing interests and experiences, aim to introduce them to new worlds and ideas. This approach not only stimulates curiosity but also broadens their understanding of different genres and topics.

The Role of Chapter Books

For students in Years 3 to 6, chapter books play a vital role. They help students develop the skills needed to engage with longer texts independently. Authors like Emily Rodda, with her "Rowan of Rin" series, and Katrina Nannestad, known for "We Are Wolves," offer excellent choices. These books are not only engaging but also provide the depth needed for developing comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Verse Narratives and Picture Books

In addition to traditional chapter books, verse narratives and sophisticated picture books are valuable resources. Books like "Odda" by Catherine Applegate offer unique storytelling formats that enrich students' literary experiences. Picture books for older readers, such as "The Midnight Panther" by Poonam Mistry, are also essential. They are complex and thought-provoking, making them suitable for deep discussions and critical analysis.

Balancing Enjoyment and Instruction

One of the key challenges teachers face is balancing the enjoyment of a read-aloud with instructional goals. While it's important to teach reading strategies, the primary focus during read-aloud sessions should be enjoyment. Interruptions for instructional purposes should be minimal to maintain the flow and engagement of the story.

Teaching Punctuation and Fluency

Teachers can use read-aloud sessions to model good reading habits, including proper use of punctuation and fluency. For example, highlighting a complex sentence before reading it aloud can help students understand how punctuation guides phrasing and meaning. However, this should be done sparingly to avoid disrupting the narrative flow.

Modelling Reading Strategies

Read-aloud sessions are an excellent opportunity to model various reading strategies without turning the session into a series of interruptions. By strategically choosing moments to highlight specific strategies, teachers can enhance students' comprehension skills. For instance, discussing a particular sentence's punctuation or how to approach a challenging word can be reserved for the end of the reading session.

Building a Literacy Community

Reading aloud helps build a strong classroom community. It allows all students, regardless of their reading abilities, to participate in a shared literary experience. This communal aspect is particularly beneficial for struggling readers, who might otherwise feel excluded. Through shared experiences, students develop a collective understanding and appreciation of literature.

Inclusion and Engagement

Struggling readers often miss out on the joy of reading because they are pulled out for additional support during critical instructional times. Ensuring that all students are present during read-aloud sessions is essential. These sessions should be seen as inclusive moments where every student can engage with and enjoy the text.

Vocabulary and Comprehension

Read-alouds expose students to richer vocabulary and more complex sentence structures than they might encounter in their independent reading. This exposure helps improve their own reading skills over time. Discussing new words and concepts encountered during read-alouds can significantly enhance students' vocabulary and comprehension.

Practical Tips for Teachers

Selecting Texts

Choose books that you have read and enjoyed. Your enthusiasm for the text will be contagious. Consider the interests and backgrounds of your students, but also aim to introduce them to new and challenging ideas.

Planning and Execution

Make read-alouds a regular part of your daily routine. Aim for consistency to build anticipation and excitement among students. Use the read-aloud time to model reading strategies subtly, but keep the focus on the enjoyment of the story.

Follow-Up Activities

After reading, engage students in discussions about the book. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and personal connections to the text. Incorporate writing activities where students can respond creatively to what they've heard.

Conclusion

Reading aloud is a high-impact, low-input strategy that can significantly benefit all students, particularly those who struggle with reading. By carefully selecting engaging texts, balancing enjoyment with instruction, and creating an inclusive literary community, teachers can harness the power of read-alouds to foster a love of reading and improve literacy skills across the board. Make the decision to prioritize read-alouds in your classroom and witness the transformative impact on your students' reading journeys.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE.

BOOKS, in the order mentioned in the podcast