EDUA 5444 Building Students' Literacy
READ OUT! BUILDING STUDENTS’ LITERACY AND LOVE OF READING THROUGH READ ALOUDS
In its 1985 report, the US Department of Education Commission on Reading called read alouds the "single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading." They found that reading aloud to students of all ages develops attention and listening skills; increases vocabulary; builds background knowledge; creates connection between the student, the book, and the reader; and motivates students to read independently.
While the benefits of the read aloud were established 30 years ago, many teachers have little or no experience teaching read alouds. This course is designed to provide a teacher with the knowledge and skills to create a robust read aloud classroom environment to inspire greater engagement in reading. The course provides the teacher with strategies for choosing read-aloud texts, structuring read alouds, and engaging diverse learners. After taking this course, teachers of all subjects will be able to plan read aloud instruction that will motivate reluctant readers, challenge skilled readers, enhance comprehension skills, build vocabulary, and develop students’ love of reading.