Want to build a strong foundation for a literacy-rich classroom?   It begins with reading aloud to your students.  Reading aloud fluently and expressively communicates enthusiasm for reading and helps students realize the value of reading.

Reading aloud to students also helps expand vocabulary by presenting words in context.  As you read, you demonstrate ways to derive meanings from context by “thinking aloud.” Try some of the following tips for getting your students geared up to make steady progress in reading all year long!

1. Start with read-alouds during the first days of school:

• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
• Brand New Pencils, Brand New Books by Diane deGroat
• Amanda’s First Day of School  by Joan E. Goodman
• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

2. Read aloud and discuss books that demonstrate a love of books and learning. Discuss the characters and talk about what the characters read, why they read, and also where and when they enjoy their books:

• The Best Time to Read by Debbie Bertram and Susan Brow
• The Best Book to Read by Debbier Bertram and Susan Bloom
• I Like Books by Anthony Browne

3. Keep a list of books you have read aloud. Post it in the classroom so that you and your students can easily remember them when making  connections .

4.  Place books you have read aloud in a special basket or tub, or display them along the bookcase so that students can find and reread them.
Reading aloud to students allows them to experience a variety of quality texts in different genres. Through “reading aloud,” you create shared literary experiences as a foundation for learning how to comprehend texts.

The ideas shared here are from the article by Ellery, Oczkus, and Rasinski in LITERACY TODAY: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/cd43c2b8#/cd43c2b8/34

About the Blogger:
Melba Kent, Ed.D, is curriculum director for language arts at Harris County Department of Education. She works with schools and districts across the county to help implement effective literacy instruction for all students. Melba is a pathological runner who makes a mean pot of red beans and rice and drinks lattes excessively. She lives by the motto: “Be a New Orleanian wherever you are.”