Rationale A balanced reading program includes daily Read Aloud selections. Research has indicated the positive benefits of reading aloud to students. Listening to literature, both fiction and non-fiction, being read aloud helps readers develop an awareness of language and an appreciation of literature. The Read Aloud expands a child's imagination and knowledge-base, increases students' language acquisition, demonstrates expression and dramatic flair and influences the child to become a better reader. Reading aloud to children is a key component to any good reading program.
Children hear language above their independent reading level yet suitable for their listening level.
Hearing books read aloud improves a child's ability to listen for periods of time and increase attention spans. It allows for children to interact with the reading by interrupting to make connections with personal experiences and extend their knowledge and understanding. Reading aloud models how fluent readers read and reflect on what is read. Children begin to listen and discuss beyond their developmental reading levels through a group Read Aloud and discussion. Words, language patterns, and ideas encountered during these Read Aloud experiences become a part of the children's own speaking, reading and writing which help them predict text of more complex books.