Tips for Making the Most of Read Alouds from Behind the Mask
There’s no question that school will look very different for most of us this fall. Social distancing and masks coupled with the usual back to school jitters will bring about a unique set of challenges for both teachers and students.
That’s why it’s more important than ever that we develop strong, healthy social environments in our classrooms! We need to create happy places for children to learn and grow academically while making sure their emotional needs are met. Using carefully selected read-alouds is a great way to build positive relationships with our students. Here are a few tips for making the most of read-alouds from behind the mask.
#1 Choose the Right Book
Getting started on the right foot paves the way to a successful school year. It’s important to have procedures in place, and a great way to build relationships with your students while letting them know what you expect of them is through read-alouds.
If you teach younger students, Listen Buddy by Helen Lester is a good place to start. This story introduces children to a young rabbit named Buddy who has very big ears, but they don’t help him to listen! As you guide children through the story, plan to take time to point out the characters’ feelings and actions. Use a “think aloud” strategy to indicate that Buddy isn’t making the best choices, and ask the students what they think Buddy could do to make better choices.
While the students “help” Buddy by discussing their ideas, they’ll begin to internalize the importance of following directions, listening, and paying attention. They’ll also begin to realize that their classroom is a safe place where their thoughts and ideas matter!
#2 Create a Welcoming Environment
Although story time will most likely be socially distanced this year, (maybe even virtual), there are still ways to create a welcoming environment. If your students normally sit on the floor for story time, think of ways to make them feel like their area is special and unique to them. Help them to understand that they are keeping themselves and their friends safe by staying in their own special spot. For example, if you’ll be using tape to indicate where students will be sitting, try to use fun colors or different patterns to make the area feel cozy. If you are reading to students in a virtual setting, invite them to get comfortable before you begin. Of course it’s not ideal but with a little creativity and compassion, it’s definitely possible!
#3 Smile with Your Eyes
Reading aloud will be a little different from behind a mask for both you and your students. Speaking loudly, reading a little more slowly, and pronouncing words clearly will be necessary. Keep in mind that while students might not be able to see your mouth, they will be able to see your eyes. Be expressive, and remember to “smile” with your eyes!
This school year will definitely come with unique challenges, and students need to feel safe and secure now more than ever. Harness the power of reading to build relationships with your students, to make them feel welcome, and to foster a love of reading that will last into the future!
#4 Focus on the Social and Emotional Needs of Your Students
This year more than ever, we as teachers have to focus on the whole child.
Even during a normal school year, students crave and thrive with routines. No matter the age, routines create a sense of predictability and normalcy. Routines are on thing that we can control during this time and it will support your students’ mental and emotional well-being. Whether you choose to read aloud to your class before going to lunch, after recess, or at the end of the day, committing to reading aloud daily is a routine that both you and your students will come to love and look forward to.
Many picture books can easily be used to spark meaningful conversations between your students — even if you are physically separated. Conversations with peers and teacher allow students to make meaningful connections with one another and their teacher. A commitment to reading aloud to your students is an investment in their emotional health.
Social Emotional Learning is the process when both children and adults recognize and manage emotions, set and accomplish positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and uphold affirmative relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Picture books are perfect for teaching SEL lessons because they are infinitely flexible: a kindergartner and 5th grader can enjoy the same picture book while understanding it in dramatically different (but equally valid and meaningful) ways. The interplay and interdependence between the text and illustrations can promote thoughtful analysis. The brief nature of the text allows time for the reader to engage in rich conversations about complex ideas with their teacher and peers
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