True Tasks: The Importance and Power of Read Alouds

What do we mean by ‘Read Alouds’? These are texts are beyond the independent reading ability of children, and are read by a fluent adult reader - it’s best if it is the teacher at school or a parent at home. Listening to stories online are another way to hear fluent renderings of texts. Every day, the teacher reads aloud materials that are at the students' listening level, but usually above their independent reading level.The amazing power of Read AloudsReading aloud has a big impact on literacy growth and development. We talk about our own experiences as well as the role of the teacher and the student in ensuring this powerhouse experience can do it’s maximum work, for little energy, cost and/or time. It is a surprisingly underutilised strategy across the primary years of schooling. Teachers can’t afford to not have it in your daily repertoire of experiences.Why are Read Alouds important?To improve students' listening skills, reading comprehension and attitudes toward reading, and to build vocabulary. It also:Involves students in reading for enjoymentDemonstrates reading for a purposeProvides an adult demonstration of fluent, phrased readingDevelops a sense of storyDevelops knowledge of written language syntaxDevelops knowledge of how texts are structuredIncreases vocabularyExpands linguistic repertoireSupports inter-textual tiesCreates a community of readers through enjoyment and shared knowledgeMakes complex ideas available to childrenPromotes oral language developmentEstablishes known texts as a basis for writing and other activities through rereadingHow do we get them going in the classroom? What is the teachers role?How to do Read Alouds:Teachers need a wide range of books to select from for appropriate Read AloudsTeacher must be fully committed to the text before beginning, having read it prior to beginning with the classRead texts aloud to students dailyEstablish a literacy rich environmentShare books with students and model appropriate reading behaviourRead a variety of books and other materialsMake these materials accessible for students to read on their ownEngage students in literacy-related play/drama in response to textLead discussions about the texts encouraging children to think and talk about itWhich Read Alouds are most important?Choices of text could include: Link to the curriculumLink to an area of studyInformation textFiction genre of a varietyLanguage richA range over a yearPicture booksEspecially chapter booksHow do we get Read Alouds going?How do we get them going in the classroom? What is the children’s role?Enjoy listening to and discussing fiction and non-fiction literature read aloudRetell narratives and use descriptive language to explain and explore ideas in the literatureRetell facts when nonfiction is readThink about what is being read and express those thoughtsDon’t forget to tune in to get all the details, insights, stories, tools and our tantalising text!Connect with us!Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracyGot any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email [email protected] Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning. Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves. To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com