FGCU: TSL 4344

Professor Osceola                                                                                                     

Lizette Sardinas

 

1. Matrix

Primary objective of strategy:

Comprehensible input

Contextualized language

 

Secondary objective of strategy:

Increased verb interaction

Reduced anxiety

Active involvement of the learner

 

2. Name of the Strategy

Interactive Read Aloud

 

3. Description of the Strategy

An interactive read aloud is a strategy used by teachers to engage students in the reading process.  In an interactive read aloud, the teacher reads

 a book or short text stopping at predetermined points to ask students questions.  This strategy is especially helpful to ESL students, as it incorporates

 visual aids, oral aids, as well as modeled reading that will guide students to further literacy development.  

 

4. Step-by-Step procedure of how this strategy can be implemented in the classroom

The first step in implementing an interactive read aloud is selecting a text that is appropriate for the age, grade-level, and content level of the students

.  Books for read-alouds can be selected at a level slightly above the students’ independent reading level. 

The next step is to select points during the story (or short text) that the teacher will stop to ask a question.  The teacher should ask questions that will

stimulate responses specific to the lesson objectives, and questions that will promote higher order thinking.  Questions should help students understand

the function of print, as well as literary notions such as plot and character (Peregoy, 2000), but most importantly questions should promote comprehension

and an appreciation for reading.

The next step is to actually read the story or text to students, after briefly discussing the text and introducing the content when necessary.  While reading,

 the teacher should stop at predetermined points.  The teacher should also stop during reading when he or she notices that the students are having

problems understanding something, keeping in mind that stopping too frequently may interrupt the flow of the story.  After reading, the teacher may opt to reread the story.  In any case, summary discussion and questions should always be included.   

 

5. Specific Application and examples of strategy implementation in the classroom.

Rainforest Lesson Plan:  The Rain forest Lesson plan consisted of an interactive read-aloud followed by a brief brainstorming session, to prepare students for a web search.  Before reading, I presented the topic by telling the students I was going to take them on a tour of the rainforest.  I presented to them the right and wrong ways to prepare for the trip, and we all made believe we were actually dressing and packing for it.  I then read the informational text about Rainforests to the students.  I stopped at about four points to ask questions or to present material that expanded on that of the text we were reading.  I also did a think/pair/share activity mid-reading, where I asked the students what had been there favorite part of the Rainforest up until that point.  I then asked the students to turn and tell that information to a neighbor, and we regrouped by sharing some responses together as a group.  At the completion of our reading, I asked some summarizing questions.  We then proceeded to brainstorm some topics that the students would want to do further research on the internet about, with the goal of gathering good enough information to right a paragraph.        

 

  1. Conclusion

            It is imperative for a child to actively participate in quality reading activities to help them learn the functions of written language.  A child will learn how to read faster and more effectively if they are exposed to written and oral language early on in life, and when what they learn is constantly reinforced.  An excellent method to teaching children how to read is using interactive read-aloud.  It gives children the opportunity to see written language as well as hear it, which speaks to the need of multiple intelligences. 

            Read-alouds also offer students multiple ways in which to learn new information.  They see the words visually, and they also hear the words.  It is vital to use these methods in conjunction to help students’ effectively process information.  Another benefit this teaching strategy has is the interactive component.  This allows students to actively engage in their learning.  It helps them make inferences, and encourages higher order thinking skills, as well as giving the students an opportunity to make their own decisions.  Read-alouds also allow teachers the opportunity to know if students understand the story or written text, and if they are engaged.  Interactive read-alouds are an excellent way to help students improve their reading skills, and should be incorporated whenever possible.                 

 

7. Site at least two references used to explain this strategy

Peregoy, S & Boyle, O. (2001) Reading, Writing, & Learning in ESL

Fountas, I & Su Pinnell, G. (2001) Guided Readers and Writers Grades 3-6

Morrow, L. (2001) Literacy Development in the Early Years

Freeman, d & Freeman, Y. (2001) Between Worlds: Access to Second Language Aquisition

 

8. Suggested Websites

http://www.ksd.org/eastgate/Schoolsite/Kaufma

www.read2kids.org/readaloud.htm

http://talk.greatbooks.org

 

9. Suggested Readings

Sifting and Sorting through four blocks literacy model. (2002). Online at:
http://www.teachers.net/4blocks/article68.html

 

  How Can I Encourage My Young Child To Read? Online at:
http://www.eric.ed.gov/resources/parent/read.html