What is a Read Aloud?
A read aloud is a teaching technique where a person—often a teacher, parent, or educator—reads a book, story, or text aloud to an audience, typically a group of children or students. This activity is used to foster a love for reading, improve literacy skills, and engage listeners in the content being read.
During a read-aloud session, the person reading the text:
- Uses expressive reading techniques, such as varying voice tones, inflections, and sometimes character voices, to make the story engaging and entertaining.
- Promotes comprehension by asking questions, making predictions, or discussing the story elements during or after reading.
- Expands vocabulary and language skills by exposing listeners to new words and sentence structures.
- Models proper reading habits, including fluency, intonation, and expression, which listeners can learn and emulate.
Read alouds are often used in classrooms, libraries, and homes as a way to introduce new books, explore different genres, or simply enjoy a story together. They are versatile and can involve various types of texts, from picture books and novels to poetry and informational texts.
How to Conduct a Read Aloud
Conducting a read aloud involves several steps and considerations to make the experience engaging and beneficial for your audience. Here’s a guide to conducting a read-aloud session:
- Choose the Right Material: Select a book or text that aligns with your audience’s age, interests, and comprehension level. Ensure the text is engaging and suitable for a read-aloud setting.
- Preparation: Read through the material in advance to familiarize yourself with the story, characters, and potential discussion points. Consider where to pause for questions, predictions, or reflections.
- Set the Scene: Find a comfortable and quiet space where everyone can see and hear you clearly. Ensure the book or text is visible to all.
- Engage Your Audience: Begin by introducing the book, its title, author, and maybe the illustrator. Encourage predictions or thoughts about what the story might be about.
- Reading Aloud: Read expressively, using different tones, voices, and pacing to bring the characters and story to life. Pause strategically for emphasis or to allow listeners to process information.
- Interactive Elements: Pause at key points to ask questions, encourage predictions, or discuss story elements. Engaging the audience helps maintain interest and aids comprehension.
- Encourage Visualization: Encourage listeners to imagine the scenes, characters, or settings described in the text. Ask them to describe what they’re picturing in their minds.
- Post-Reading Discussion: After finishing the reading, engage in discussions about the story—ask about favorite parts, characters, or lessons learned. Encourage critical thinking and personal connections.
- Extend Learning: Consider activities related to the story, such as arts and crafts, writing prompts, or further reading on related topics. This reinforces comprehension and engagement.
- Feedback and Reflection: Ask for feedback from your audience about what they enjoyed or learned. Reflect on the session, noting what worked well and what could be improved for future read-alouds.
Remember, the goal of a read aloud is not just to read the words but to create an interactive and enjoyable experience that fosters comprehension, critical thinking, and a love for stories and reading. Adjust your approach based on the age group and interests of your audience to ensure an engaging session.
Read Aloud Texts for Middle Schoolers
Here are my favorite texts for middle school read alouds:
- Sidewalk Story by Sharon Bell Mathis
- “The Little Boy and the Old Man” by Shel Silverstein
- “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe
- Excerpts from The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
- Chapter 2, paragraph 1
- “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
I usually choose texts to complement upcoming holidays, seasons, or other special events. For example, The Haunting of Hill House is a spooky selection for Halloween. “The Gift of the Magi” is a no-brainer for the December holidays.
Sometimes I create polls and have students vote on the text they want me to read. Of course, their options are readings I personally enjoy, because I’ve found that when I’m excited about a text, students also get excited. Furthermore, my love for reading comes across naturally, and students see that they can learn to love reading as well.
