How to Choose Effective Read Alouds

Listen to the full episode to hear how to choose effective read alouds:

As literacy teachers, we’re always finding new ways to read to our students that help develop their reading skills, which is why read alouds are so effective. We’re in the middle of our series all about read alouds, so if you haven’t listened to the first episode, Episode 106, make sure you take a listen to get caught up in the series. In episode two of our series, I’m sharing how to choose effective read alouds and then how to use them. 

When it comes to choosing effective read alouds, there are many things to consider, which all stem from the purpose of your read aloud. Depending on which skill or strategy you want your students to focus on, that will also help determine which text to use and how to use read alouds effectively. 

One of the great things about read alouds is you can mix up how you use them and they benefit all grade levels. It can be overwhelming to think about how to choose effective read alouds, so take these ideas into consideration:

1. Use a variety of texts
2. Think about the experience of your students
3. Supporting other content areas
4. Books read by the author
5. Using books in a series
6. Finding ways to incorporate audiobooks, video books, and podcasts
7. Consider the length of texts you’re reading

Although you might know you want to start incorporating more read alouds into your classroom, it can be difficult finding the right texts and knowing how to use them. After listening to the episode, you’ll be more prepared on how to choose effective read alouds that help develop your students’ literacy skills. Stay tuned next week for the next episode in this series!

In this episode about how to choose effective read alouds, I share:

• The two words you should consider when thinking about a read aloud experience for your students
• The benefits of incorporating other content areas in your read alouds
• Why it’s okay to not finish an entire book, but instead, think about the purpose to determine length
• A list of where you can find texts for read alouds

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Writing Made Simple Membership
• Seasonal Literacy Activities Bundle
• Check out BookFlix

Connect with Megan:

• Check out my TpT Store
• Subscribe to my E-mail list
• Instagram Posts
• Blog Posts
• Facebook Posts

About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!