I think it is safe to say that most of us in this class have been read to in our childhood. It is something very entertaining for a child, and in most cases, a good way to put them down for a little sleep. But seriously, the "Value of Read-Aloud beyond Primary Years" article makes the point that reading-aloud is risk-free. "The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." Reading to children at a young age is extremely valuable, but continuing that throughout childhood and especially later in development is just as important. Anytime we read a text in my class, I have the students either popcorn read the selection aloud to me, or I start and stop within the section to make it more interesting. This engages them, keeps them alert, and it is a really valuable time to building community and literacy learning.
I found the section on student roles during read-aloud very informative. So this time is usually conducted by the teacher or an affluent student. What i found the most interesting, is that the students don't initially have the text. The students during the first or only read-aloud are supposed to be taking notes, really paying attention or asking questions which engages them. Then when it is done the second time or if it is read a second time, the students already have a little background from their notes or the questions that were asked.
I definitely plan on incorporating a read-aloud in the manner in the very near future!
I also found it interesting that the students did not have the text during the reading. I like the thought of read-alouds being a risk-free time. You said that you have students popcorn read during class. Do you ever have the students that do not like to read-aloud? They get embarrassed or flustered. How do you handle those situations?
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