BookPALS & Common Core

January 2, 2015

The Importance of Reading Aloud

Listening to quality literature being read aloud is one of the most valuable and pleasurable experiences beginning readers and writers can have. Story time is a chance to model good reading and thinking strategies and to expose young learners to a rich variety of literature. When this exposure is accompanied by supportive and engaging discussions, children are able to extend their world view and develop important critical thinking skills. Here’s why BookPALS are vital to the classroom and how they help meet Common Core Standards:

• Reading Aloud develops a higher level of comprehension and vocabulary while it strengthens memory and recognition of sequencing details.
• Reading Aloud introduces varied and effective patterns of language, both oral and written, which are internalized through familiarity and use.
•  Reading Aloud is the best vehicle for exposing children to various genres and for delivering those genres in powerful and exciting ways.
• Reading Aloud develops listening skills, visualization skills, analytical skills, critical thinking skills, creativity, and the imagination.
• Reading Aloud teaches important oral presentation skills that can be used in many different situations.
• Reading Aloud is accessible to all ages, genders, cultures, and skill sets.
• Reading Aloud teaches the ability to predict, interpret, infer, compare, contrast, and problem solve.
• Reading Aloud creates community. Language is learned in communities.
• Reading Aloud sparks exciting conversations about reading and helps create lifelong readers.
• Reading Aloud is a vehicle for the passing on of factual information, values, and important life lessons.
• Reading Aloud effectively integrates other subjects into the language arts curriculum.
• Reading Aloud promotes multicultural sensitivity and understanding.
• Reading Aloud stimulates interest in reading and writing by demonstrating the natural connection between the written and the spoken word.
• Reading Aloud fosters positive peer interaction and cooperation and promotes an appreciation for the talents of others.
• Reading Aloud promotes an enthusiasm for language and learning.

“Never underestimate the power of a great book in the hands of a reader who knows how to use it. Reading aloud—a good book read well—is the number-one way to positively impact the disengaged reader.” ~Steven L. Layne

“Reading is more than a number. It is a civic responsibility—one that should live in and outside the classroom.” ~Ron D. Myers, Ph.D, Principal, Trinity Meadows Intermediate School, Keller, Texas