Researched Based Findings: The Power and Promise of Read-Alouds

Reading aloud is the foundation for literacy development. It is the single most important activity for reading success (Bredekamp, Copple, & Neuman, 2000). It provides children with a demonstration of phrased, fluent reading (Fountas & Pinnell, 1996). It reveals the rewards of reading, and develops the listener’s interest in books and desire to be a reader (Mooney, 1998)

Here are just a few of benefits of read-alouds that research has shown to support improved reading:

1. Expands Vocabulary. Massaro (2017) research showed that the vocabulary in children’s picture books are three times more likely to encounter new words during read-alouds than in regular conversation. ** Stop and talk about unfamiliar words. Don’t simply read the unfamiliar words without defining the word in context.
2. Enhances Listening Skills: Morrow & Gambrell’s(2002) work documents that listen comprehension precedes reading comprehension, and the child’s ability to understand spoken words a precursor to reading and using the words. ** Ask your child to repeat the word immediately when encountering the word. At the conclusion of the read-aloud review the words again. Ask your child to write a sentence using the word.
3. Develops Syntactic Skills: Lane & Wright(2007) found that exposure to diverse sentence structures and grammatical patterns improve the learners ability to use complex language constructs and supported grasping the rules of language. ** Point out and discuss interesting sentence structure and the author’s word choice.
4. Supports Word Recognition: Stahl(2003) points out that exposing children to a wide range of vocabulary in different contexts allows them to become familiar with  the appearance and sounds of words.** Have your child keep a personal  dictionary of words and phrases they encounter during the read-aloud.
5. Encourages Imagination and Creativity: The read-aloud(Beck, 2020) is a gateway to realms of imagination and creativity. Through stories children are transported to other worlds and cultures.** Have your child create a story based on the read-aloud changing story element, characters, problem, resolution.

The critical consideration when reading aloud to children is to make the experience interactive. Simply reading the text limits the benefits and potential power of the read-aloud. If your child doesn’t read much try scheduling read-aloud sessions each day. Sessions should be short-about 10-15 minutes.

If possible, schedule more than one read-aloud each day. You will be pleasantly surprised what a difference multiple read-alouds sessions will make.