I am reading the book by Lester L. Laminack and Reba M. Wadsworth called Reading Aloud Across the Curriculum How to Build Bridges in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The Book can be found on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Aloud-Across-Curriculum-Language/dp/0325009821 . The introduction starts off with information about books that are in the curriculum that teachers fail to take advantage of. The book also states that when reading to point out to students the thoughts of the teacher that they want the student to look out for. They state that not to overdue because you want independent thought by the students. Then after reading have a thoughtful discussion with students on what was just read. As a teacher do our best to keep the conversation growing and developing with all students involved. Then they talk about a series of books about the Underground Railroad then they give a brief synopsis of the books to encourage teachers to use those books in their studies. Then they finish off with notes on how to incorporate all this information into a teaching lesson.
I definitely agree that it is so important to follow up reading with a discussion! Not only does it hold the students accountable to reading, but it also helps them to internalize the information and analyze their thoughts and feelings about the questions and themes posed in the text.
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I also agree that there should be follow-up discussions after reading aloud. I taught 4th and 5th grades, and was the only 5th grade teacher at the school who still read aloud to the class. This activity provided some of the best teachable moments, and discussions. I think it was one of the most valuable things I did in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteA follow-up discussion is almost a must when students are reading. I know that in elementary school the students will just read words and not really pay close attention to what they are reading. However, if I tell them we will have a discussion after they take their time and really try to grasp the information they are getting from the text. I think this is great way to encourage students to really be aware of their reading.
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