Why You Should Be Reading Aloud to Independent Readers
Reading aloud is a daily occurrence in PreK and Kindergarten, but as our students get older, it’s easy to forget the benefits of reading aloud to independent readers. There is a reason audio books are so popular even with adults. Read alouds are great for all ages of independent readers from early childhood to adulthood. Here are some advantages to read aloud to your children or students, no matter what their grade or reading level.
Demonstrate Fluent Reading
Just because a student can comprehend what they read silently, it doesn’t always mean that they read with accuracy, automaticity, and prosody (correction intonation and tone). When you read aloud to your students, you can show them how to read with a correct rate and pronounce words correctly. Hearing proficient readers will help your students get comfortable reading aloud on their own.
Teach Them It’s OK to Make Mistakes When Reading Aloud
There are days you talk a lot as a teacher. As much as learning is becoming more student-driven and hands-on, there is still a lot of instruction and direction given from the teacher. When my voice is going non-stop, I may stumble over a word or two when reading aloud to students. Even though demonstrating fluency is important, it’s also OK to teach your students that it’s all right to take a risk and read aloud. Making mistakes is part of being a learner at all stages of the game.
Have a Little Fun
Reading aloud can be a way to let loose in the classroom. Even reading books for younger readers to independent readers in elementary classrooms can allow them to hear different character voices and get their giggles out. Reading aloud to your students in a dramatic or comedic fashion can be an excellent transition to “Reader’s Theater” or drama lessons where students can perform mini plays.
Use as Team Building
Reading a book aloud to the class emphasizes classroom community. During reading time, students may often read independently and silently, rarely discussing their books. When you share your voice and stories with your classroom, you may be surprised that it will start to become part of the community culture. Your students may ask you to read books aloud again and again.
Introduce New Texts
One way to include read alouds in your classroom is to start a First Chapter Friday (or any other day that works in your schedule). Read the first chapter or several pages of a novel to your students. Either continue reading the book on subsequent days or switch it up and give the first read book to a student to continue on their own. Reading chapter books aloud encourages your students to try out new texts independently, piquing their interest as to what’s to come next!
The benefits of reading aloud to independent readers begins with your classroom. Start to read aloud even if your students seem resistant at first. Your readers will love to hear your voice, become better and more fluent readers, and fall in love with new texts. Try some read alouds today!
