Live Readings

This past week I finished reading 3 Read Alouds with my ELL's.

6th grade:  Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Di Camillo

7th grade:  Flip Flop Girl by Katherine Paterson

8th grade:  Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Although many times my voice gives out, and I wonder how I'm going to finish, recorded readings are no substitute for live ones. I've tried the recorded readings and they don't work with ELL's.  It's vital that we make the text comprehensible.  A recorded reading will not provide that for them.  I like to have a class set of the title so the students can follow along.

Here are some tips that have worked for me during Read Alouds:

1.  Pause after each incident to summarize what has happened.  Keep track of students' faces. Confused or tuned out looks are cues for quick recaps.

2.  Pause after finishing a chapter.  Have students choose a title for the chapter or change the titles already used by the author.  This is a great way to reinforce main idea vs. supporting details.  

3.  Draw pictures of settings to give students something to visualize.  Add details to the drawings as the setting develops.  Use the sketches the next day to review what was already read.

4.  Use voice inflections, facial expressions and gestures to help students understand character moods and feelings.  Invite students to assist, when willing.

5.  Rather than clarifying when a student loses track of the plot, ask another student to.

6.  Encourage students to predict by finding clues and foreshadows.  Flashbacks can also be clues.

7.  Celebrate every hundred pages.  

8.  Provide opportunities for students to form opinions about the choices and actions of the characters.  Encourage students to disagree as long as they have evidence.  

9.  Provide opportunities for writing, but don't overdo it.  Stopping to write while students are so engaged may inhibit rather than help.  Use your best judgement and follow the students' lead.  And, don't feel you have to keep your own plan.  Sometimes their suggestions work well, too.  

10.  Encourage students to look for symbols the author has embedded into the story.   Reward them for explaining the hidden meanings.  Impressive discoveries deserve tangible feedback.  

These class discussions must be preceded by listing a few tips to help students learn what meaningful and productive discussions look like.  Supportive feedback when tips are followed always helps.
   

1.  Everyone may comment as long as it is not offensive.

2.  Respect another person's opinion even when you don't agree.

3.  Look at the person who is speaking and listen to what he or she is saying.

4.  Wait until someone finishes speaking before making a comment.

5.  Comments must remain on topic.  Off-topic questions must wait until the discussion is over.  

6.  Inappropriate laughter is a sign of immaturity.   

7.  Be encouraging.  

At the end of the read aloud, my students take a Reading Counts or teacher made comprehension assessment.  In addition, students complete a reflective journal.  I'm not really looking for a close understanding of the text during a read aloud, I'm more interested in that they have enjoyed the story and that they've learned how to express their opinions and observations.

Hopefully, I'll hear. "I need to buy this book!" or
"Can we read another one?"

= Credits =

Lace Circle