I would love for you to respond to the following question. This post will allow you to reply with your answer; but be specific with your response because your colleagues are reading them and gaining great ideas from you!! I'll gather our answers together in another blog post in about a week. Thank you for participating and I look forward to reading your answers!!
How do you know that (...when) your students are paying attention when engaged in a read aloud? What are some ways you maintain their attention during read aloud time?
I know students are paying attention to a read aloud when they make facial expressions as I read the text. To keep them focused, I use voices for characters. For example, when I read The BFG last year, I used a British accent for Sophie's voice.
ReplyDeleteI know students are engaged in the read aloud when I get to the end of a chapter and they want me to continue to read. I love the groans that happen when I say "We will pick up here tomorrow." I know they are enjoying the book when they aren't happy about the read aloud time ending.
ReplyDeleteI walk/move around the room as I read because my students are at their desk eating snack. I make eye contact & change the tone of my voice to emphasize certain parts of the book in order to really grab their attention.
ReplyDeleteWhen I put down my book and my students beg me to continue reading, I know they are engaged. I love to read and love to share this experience with children. I try to use a pleasant voice when reading to make listening inviting. I ask questions throughout the reading and we discuss interesting vocabulary. I also tell personal stories as they relate to the reading and allow students to share too! This is a favorite time of day. If I don't read, they complain! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad our teachers read aloud to students. Reading aloud a great book sends a message that reading is a satisfying activity. It also affords the teacher an opportunity to model good oral reading, to think aloud, and to clarify vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteRead aloud time is a favorite part of my day. I make sure students know I am reading one of my favorite books to them! I think this alone keeps their interest. Additionally, I know students are engaged in the book because they can't wait for me to begin and beg me to keep reading when it's time for recess. They laugh at humorous parts and are able to relate to the characters. I read in the characters' voices and try to ask questions to check for understanding and discussion.
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