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 template of The Keeping Quilt 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.
This is the story of a very special quilt that was created with fabrics from members of author Patricia Polacco's extended family. The quilt has been passed down from generation to generation (including to Polacco's own daughter) and is used at family events, such as weddings and birthday celebrations. The quilt is a symbol of family love and togetherness.