Elementary Library

Best Practices for Reading to Students

Elementary Library

When it comes to reading to students, how you read is just as important as what you read.

Set the Stage ●​ Seat students intentionally to minimize distractions and make sure everyone can see. ●​ Hold the book in your hand, arm should be raised and bent at the elbow, parallel to your body ●​ Plan to leave your reading seat if necessary to assist every student to see. Pan the book across your body after reading every single page. Read with Expression ●​ Use your whole body expressively to convey emotion and action. ●​ Change your voice’s pitch and tone to show character, mood, and emotion. ●​ Do not read too fast. Vary your pace. Pause for emphasis. ●​ To engage younger readers especially, look for opportunities to include actions and choral reading. Plan for Interaction ●​ Welcome comments, questions, predictions, and connections ●​ Prepare open-ended questions to engage students in listening and thinking ●​ Model interaction by noticing, wondering, and questioning out loud ●​ Draw your audience into the illustrations with questioning Watch Your Audience ●​ Be aware of signs of boredom – shorten the read-aloud if necessary ●​ Be sensitive to confusion – ask clarifying questions and define advanced vocabulary Practice ●​ Read the selected book 2-3 times before reading aloud to students. ●​ Choose ahead of time how you will perform, where you will pause for discussion, and how you will engage students best in this title.

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