LATEST PODCAST Ep 92: Join literacy expert Sharon Callen and her team in an enlightening podcast as they delve into the transformative power of the Read Aloud strategy in the realm of reading and writing instruction.
Through intentional selection of texts and the art of ongoing reading, the team dissects the various elements and advantages of Read Aloud. From fostering a love of reading and improving skills to raising test scores and building a sense of community, each point is explored.
Drawing from personal experiences, literary favourites, and the rich tapestry of educational theory, this podcast provides a comprehensive guide to harnessing the potential of Read Aloud.
Whether you're an educator seeking to enhance your teaching approach or simply intrigued by the art of storytelling, this podcast offers a wealth of insights. Tune in to explore the intersection of learning, engagement, and the joy of reading.
Listen in here:
- Simplecast: https://the-teachers-tool-kit-for-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/read-alouds-a-critical-instructional-strategy
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/read-alouds-a-critical-instructional-strategy/id1536825174?i=1000624300912
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KTxIkh2lSPdD4XGP61L2L
Highlights include:
- 00:04:15 Definition of Read Aloud
- 00:07:10 By having the true elements of Read Aloud in place we can develop four things - support students' development as readers and writers, foster their love of reading, improve reading skills and abilities, and raise standardised test scores.
- 00:10:02 Using the terms 'striving' and 'thriving' rather than 'struggling' and 'weak'.
- 00:11:16 Some of the struggles teachers have using Read Aloud, as one of their high impact teaching strategies
- 00:12:30 Read Aloud needs to be intentional, and have purpose. It has everyone attention on listening, making sense etc. It's something students take action on in their own reading and writing.
- 00:14:55 Is Read Aloud under-utilised as a teaching strategy ?
- 00:20:26 Sharon's action research on children's attitudes to Read Aloud
- 00:21:25 The influence on Sharon as a young student of Read Aloud in the 1960's and 1970's.
- 00:22:46 'The House at Pool Corner' as Sharon's preferred text when she was child
- 00:23:45 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' 'Alice in Wonderland', poetry being read, 'Charlotte's Web', 'The Secret Garden', 'Midnite', 'February Dragon', 'Storm Boy', 'Treasure Island', All examples of read alouds during Sharon's time as a student.
- 00:24:43 Professional learning as a powerful influence on Phil
- 00:24:50 Reference to Mem Fox podcast on Read Aloud
- 00:25:05 'The Wind in the Willows'.
- 00:25:31 Run through of the 13 advantages of Read Alouds. From the book 'Reading Aloud and Beyond', Giorgis and Serafini. - Fostering the Intellectual Life with Older Readers.
- 00:26:05 The chapter we refer mostly to is 'Thirteen Good (Scientifically Based) Reasons to Read Aloud With Older Readers'.
- 00:26:50 Number 1 of the 13, of the reasons: Reading aloud increases test scores. Specifically it increases students' background knowledge, it introduces them to various story structures, and it demonstrates what competent reading strategies look like.
- 00:30:00 Connection to Every Child Every Day research.
- 00:31:50 Connection to the enabling adult work of Aidan Chambers.
- 00:33:04 Number 2 of the 13 of the reasons: Read Aloud introduces readers to new titles, authors, illustrators, titles and text structures
- 00:36:41 Number 3 of the 13: Reading aloud builds a sense of community. It has a connection to to Thinker's Talking. Prompts for Reading Journals on Teachific are a valuable resource for teachers.
- 00:38:43 Number 4 of the 13: Reading aloud allows opportunity for further discussion.
- 00:39:11 'We Talk Books'. 'In My Mind, I Was Thinking' as key phrases empowering students.
- 00:42:47 Number 5 of the 13: Reading aloud with older readers is pleasurable. Especially ongoing read alouds - every day, each week.
- 00:44:13 The series of 4 books that Sharon and Phil both read to their classes: The Magician's House Quartet.
- 00:46:14 'The Steps Up the Chimney', 'The Door in the Tree', 'The Tunnel Behind the Waterfall', 'The Bridge in the Clouds.'
- 00:46:52 'Rowan of Rin'. Opening the door to a whole series. Investment by older children in reading aloud to them.
- 00:48:00 Number 6 of the 13: Reading aloud connects readers with content area subjects.
- 00:49:40 Charting words and phrases during read alouds is a valuable strategy.
- 00:50:53 Reading aloud is a bridge to students reading more complex text for themselves. 'I Own the Racecourse', 'Boss of the Pool', 'Swashbuckler'- examples of books with themes. Historical fiction has great value. The 'Grace' series - learning about convicts.
- 00:54:09 Number 7 of the 13: Reading aloud demonstrates response strategies.
- 00:54:39 Number 8 of the 13: Reading aloud increases readers' interest in independent reading.
- 00:56:29 Number 9 of the 13: Reading aloud allows access to books readers may not be able to read on their own.
- 00:56:49 Number 10 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstration of oral reading and fluency
- 00:57:14 Number 11 of the 13: Reading aloud helps readers understand the connection between reading in school and reading in life.
- 00:59:25 Number 12 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstrations of quality writing.
- 01:01:18 Number 13 of the 13: Reading aloud supports readers' development.
- 01:01:52 Connection to the Australian Curriculum
- 01:04:44 An example of reading aloud by Sharon- this is what it sounds like, to catch yourself doing the wondering and the thinking.
- 01:06:52 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, read by Sharon
- 01:13:50 End of the reading and a summary
- 01:15:15 Protocols for the class when reading aloud in your classroom
- 01:17:30 Validation of Read Aloud and bringing it in as an instructional strategy across a school
- 01:19:15 Ending piece and thank you.