If you are familiar with my blog, you already know that I am a big proponent of Interactive Read Alouds (IRAs). If you are new to my blog, this article will help you understand why they are an integral part of a balanced literacy classroom. Plus, I've compiled a free bundle of Interactive Read Aloud lesson plans you can download now!

Interactive Read Alouds provide students with an engaging reading experience that enables them to make meaning, to develop high-level thinking, and to listen to others while discussing a book. Research proves the value of reading aloud to students of all ages; it also shows that students benefit from being read aloud to several times throughout a week. Thoughtful planning of an IRA is critical for its success:

• First, the teacher needs to select a meaningful and engaging text. It is important to consider how the text will support lessons, units, or themes that the class is working on.

• Second, the teacher should think of thought provoking questions that will encourage discussion among the students. Using the “Revised Bloom's Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions” is one way to ensure that students will take part in a variety of discussions from understanding the plot of the story to analyzing the author's message.

Benefits of an Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan

• Exposes students to texts that are more challenging than they can read independently

• Develops high-level thinking

• Deepens comprehension through discussion and active thinking

• Encourages discourse

• Expands vocabulary

• Builds good reading habits within students

• Provides practice with comprehension strategies

• Introduces students to new authors and genres

• Enables the teacher to model fluency

• Fosters an enjoyment and love of reading

• Helps to grow a community of life-long readers

Four years ago, I introduced the “book of the month” to my school. Each month every grade level (K–5) teacher gets a copy of the same picture book to use with his or her class for an Interactive Read Aloud. Along with the book, I give the teachers text-specific questions to ask during the read aloud based on the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions. The book of the month serves many purposes: it promotes class discussion at a high level; every grade reads the same book, so families can discuss the book at home with siblings in different grades; for specialists (like me) that work with several grades, it serves as a mentor text that I can refer to, knowing that all the students have read it. Most importantly, I hope the book of the month cultivates a community of readers who love discussing books.

Printable Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan Bundle

As you head back-to-school, make reading aloud to students a priority. Whether you make read alouds a weekly activity or occassionaly find yourself in a pinch and needing an emergency reading substitute lesson plan, you will want to download my Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan Bundle. This free printable bundle includes seven read aloud lesson templates.