Power of Read-Alouds
Modeling Reading for Deep Understanding
Strategy
Teacher read-clouds demonstrate the power of text. By showing students the ways that involvement with text engages us, we give them energy for how learning works. By showing them how to search for meaning, we introduce strategies of understanding we can reinforce in shared, guided and independent reading.
WHY?
- builds vocabulary
- develop understanding of higher level text
- supports connections between print elements
- encourages hight levels of understanding
- teaches the reading process in meaningful context
- modeled fluency
- motivating
Lessons are Planned With Purpose
1. Select an appropriate book
- high interest
- above the reading level of the class
- consider text complexity
2. Select a standard to teach (TEK)
3. Select a focus
4. Plan questions and think alouds
Lesson Framework
Introduction 5 min.:
- Set the HOOK! Get students excited and introduce them to what they will learn
I DO 5 min. :
- Model how readers apply the skill or strategy
We DO 7-12 min.:
- teacher guides students as they practice together
Check for Understanding 3-5 min.:
- Students briefly practice the skill and verbalize how readers apply the skill in reading
- reader response
- Turn and Talk
WHAT GREAT READING LOOKS LIKE
Humans learn largely by paying close attention to role models, and during read aloud, great reading teachers leverage that way of learning to their students' advantage.