I love read alouds. I like doing the voices. I enjoy sitting in my comfy chair with a picture book or novel in my hands. I especially adore the moment I hook those cynical middle school kids with my cadence and a simply wonderful book. You can literally SEE the instant you have them addicted. I was reading Chrysanthemum to my eighth grade reading lab kids last Thursday and they were just enthralled. I remember a moment last Thursday when I looked out and saw them just enraptured with their chins on their hands as they sprawled comfortably on my rugs. Every eye was on me as I turned the pages. I thought, “Wow! This is what teaching reading is supposed to be like.”
We used the book as a springboard for a discussion on characters. The kids were very successful on the characterization discussions, activities, and essay that followed. I attribute their achievement to their intense connection to the read aloud. More and more teachers are realizing that all children – even inherently suspicious middle school kids - enjoy being read to on a regular basis. The read aloud experience is pleasurable, of course. However, it can serve multi-fold purposes if teachers plan ahead (just a little) and create mini-lessons around read alouds. I have seen first-hand how the connection to a book read aloud can make all the difference. Try it!
Happy Reading!
