Interactive read alouds are an important component of a balanced literacy classroom. Research proves the value of reading aloud to students of all ages, and that students benefit from being read aloud to several times throughout a week.
Teachers need to select a text that is both meaningful and engaging to students, while considering how the text will support lessons, units, or themes the class works on during the year. I also like to let current events, holidays, and student opinions influence the books I choose to use for read alouds. And always remember that thought-provoking questions are essential to every interactive read aloud. I personally use the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions to ensure students take part in a variety of discussions from understanding the plot of the story to analyzing the author’s message.
My printable interactive read aloud lesson plan of Beatrice's Goat can be modified to use with grades K–5. Text-dependent questions are provided based on the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions to promote higher levels of text discussion.
Beatrice’s Goat is the true story of a nine-year-old Ugandan girl. Through Heifer Project International, Beatrice’s family received the gift of a goat. The goat provided Beatrice’s family with milk to drink, and allowed them to make money by selling the extra milk the goat supplied. The money Beatrice made from selling the goat’s milk allowed her to attend school for the very first time. The goat’s offspring was given to another family, so they could then reap the benefits of having a goat of their own.