Timely Tips When Reading Aloud

Overview
High school students review the reading process, reflect upon it, and then try to improve this model. Students learn that reading aloud techniques are the same for all audiences. As students implement reading aloud techniques they become confident in presenting the printed word orally to others.
For more about this special from
Literacy Leaders
for Life Long Learners
e-mail Mary Ellen Bower, author and AT&T Teacher Disseminator.
Learning Standards
  • Use proper technologies to present information effectively.
  • Connect what students read with their experiences and the experiences of others.
  • Understand and use the writing process effectively.
    • Classroom Activities
    To prepare for their read alouds, high school students study and discuss The Read Aloud Handbook. They divide into groups, and:
  • Answer two key questions: How did you learn how to read? What makes an effective read aloud session?
  • Brainstorm and organize ideas and steps with group-created schematic maps.

    • Share findings with the whole class.
    • Take notes during each presentation.
    • Use notes to create individual or group Read Aloud Hints or PowerPoint Presentations.
    • Survey children's literature and select a book to read to either a younger or older person.
    Community Activities
    Practicing reading techniques, students ask community or family members from older and younger generations how they learned to read. They volunteer to read to younger children or interested adults. Students publish Read Aloud Hints in the school newspaper and make Power Point presentations for other classes.     		Careers
    Students become aware of oral presentation skills that are necessary for many different careers such as lawyers, teachers, politicians and CEO's. They learn how literacy contributes to the betterment of our society.
    Materials
    The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, 1995:Penguin Books; Students As Teachers by M. L. Gregory, 1995: J. Weston Walch; a first grade reading book, samples of Read Aloud Hints (Button #1)     		Technology
    Students create a professional looking Read Aloud document using Microsoft Word or make a PowerPoint presentation about Read Aloud techniques.
    Assessment
    The student Read Aloud document or PowerPoint presentation is used to evaluate the project.

    Web Sites
    Boston Globe Newspaper in Education Program offers excellent ideas for developing literacy skills.