5 Tips for a Fantastic Read Aloud

 Read aloud Tips

How do you confidently read aloud?

• Keep an eye on the volume of your voice.
•  Check that you can hear yourself speak, but don't scream.
• Examine your speed. Do you prefer to speak quickly or slowly when you're nervous? ...
• You can include some emotion if you feel ready (and there is emotion in the words).

1. Involve your audience

 This means you'll have to read softly or loudly, slowly or quickly as needed, use funny voices, add facial emotions, toss your arms in the air, or do whatever else you need to do to get their attention. This is also excellent modeling!

2. To truly engage your audience

you must preview the book beforehand. I always do this, not only to make sure there's nothing inappropriate in there but also to see if there are any points I want to halt at or exploit to generate suspense. I usually keep a copy of the read-aloud on hand. For example, I own a copy of Lunch Money. I read aloud and in the reading bins (since children will always check out the same book and read it with you). Because it's my copy, I always look through it ahead of time, highlighting different characters for voices and making sticky notes for halting moments, suspense, and so on.

3. Make the read-aloud engaging.

 I'm not saying you should stop every few minutes to the point of disrupting the flow, but since you read it ahead of time (see number two) and have selected some really great spots, stop and engage the students. You can get pupils to participate by using sticky notes. As you read, have students record their comments (much like they would with their own personal books) and then share when you finish. Another option is to pause and ask critical thinking questions, complete thinking exercises, spark conversation, or even forecast what will happen next.

4. Bring the children to you. 

Yes, I'm serious. I understand that having children sit in a circle or even close to you around a rocking chair may appear to be a lower elementary activity, but they enjoy it! It gives them the impression that it's time to unwind and read a good book! Of course, address the expectations ahead of time, double-check that everyone can see, and keep an eye out for any page glares.

5. Bring the children to you.

One thing I've discovered in my years of teaching is that a great read-aloud is primarily determined by the book you choose. Students have requested read-aloud, and I have picked them based on the recommendations of other instructors (plus I have ideas in my Mentor Text Monday area). It is entirely up to you to choose and organize a decent read-aloud. There are numerous rules for selecting an excellent read-aloud, but I'll just share my thoughts: