Reading to ChildrenReading to children is the one of the best reading comprehension interventions. Here are the facts about why every teacher needs to do an interactive read aloud every day. This is a time for a teacher to model vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension strategies using a think-aloud. The role of the student while the teacher is reading to children at this time is to engage in active listening. They are guided to engage in meaningful responses. An interactive read aloud is also one of the Tier 1 or Tier 2 reading comprehension interventions, if done consistently and with integrity. Students who have not had any experiences with a read-aloud are at a distinct disadvantage in school.
Reading to children is one of the only ways teachers and parents can begin to bridge the language gap created by poverty. It is a necessary component of reading comprehension interventions. This is the reality of teaching reading in the 21st century. An Interactive Read AloudReading quality books to kids allows them to access "rare" words that don't occur in ordinary conversation. Children who never get the opportunity to hear these words are most likely to permanently struggle with reading.Plan to read aloud at least 3-4 times per day to your class. Research has shown that a read aloud is the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading. Using Cinderella stories are perfect for interactive read alouds! A long-term study, published in the spring of 2000, proves this. A U.S. Department of Education analysis found that children who were read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading than children who were read to less than three times a week. There are many other benefits of reading to children that parents and educators may not realize. You can visit Kids and Books to find more information about literacy and reading activities that get kids reading books! Some teachers and parents may feel that an interactive read aloud is not as important once the kids are older. Not so. There is a bonding element that occurs when you sit with your child and read together. My oldest son still asks for a story at night time, and he can certainly read by himself at 11 years old. Best Children's Books for First Read AloudsIf your students are not used to read alouds, don't start with chapter books! You will need to build their attention span and listening skills slowly. Start with very short books that provide opportunities for students to be actively engaged in it (like Eric Carl's book Today Is Monday  or Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel).You could then move on to reading a week's worth of books by the same author, picture books with related themes, then move into short chapter books that have great hooks and leave them wanting more. This is the best way to begin reading aloud in the classroom. Reading to children is the best intervention there is. That is my one and only recommendation to parents when they ask me what to do to improve their child's reading. I tell them, "Read to your child - a lot." Return to Top: Reading To Children 
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