Reading aloud is one of the best ways that teachers can support children with their reading journey. It has also be important according to Reading for Pleasure research. In this article, we are going to outline some of the benefits of reading aloud and ways to include reading aloud in school.
Benefits of Reading Aloud
When you are reading aloud together, it creates a sense of community in the classroom. Pupils can also read aloud, not just teachers, so that they feel involved. We recommend asking for volunteers to read aloud.
It encourages pupils to discuss, question and make predictions about the text, building their comprehension skills.
It helps pupils to develop an understanding of empathy and gives them a window into the lives of others.
When fluent readers read aloud, it shows pupils what reading fluently sounds like.
Choosing a range of texts and genres of book aloud can mean that pupils get more familiar with a range of texts. They are therefore more likely to find texts that they like, or texts that reflect their own interests and experiences.
It can help reading progression as teachers can pitch the book slightly above what pupils can read independently.
Reading Aloud in School
Try to read aloud at different times of the day. Some teachers read at the end of the day, whilst others at registration or between transition periods. Others plan reading time into their lesson time.
Consider inviting someone into the classroom to read aloud when you can, who can be a reading role model. It could be a volunteer, the HeadTeacher or maybe even Reading Ambassadors.
Encourage pupils to help choose the next text, from a selection that you have already read. Making sure that you have a range of genres and types of texts, from informational, to graphic novels.
Choose texts that have cross curricular links or use books to open up a PSHEE topic. Books can be a great way to open up tricky conversations.
With Pageticker teachers and parents can record different types of reading, including the child reading aloud and someone else reading aloud to them. Find out more about Pageticker here.
There are lots of benefits to reading aloud in school. It will take time to find what works for your class. Finding and planning in the time to read aloud, could have a big impact on the number of pupils who read for pleasure in your class.
If you are looking for ways to encourage parents to read aloud at home, check out this post.
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