Scroll to the bottom of this post for printable bookmarks! Should we read aloud to learners who can read to themselves? Experts agree, the answer is absolutely yes! Educational research backs up our natural instinct to share stories with our big kids. In this post, we discuss the emotional and academic reasons to read aloud, how reading aloud can benefit us as well as our learners, tips to enhance the experience, and how read alouds are super simple language arts lesson plans for our tweens and teens. BondingBonding is one of the top reasons for us to read aloud to our older learners. When we read aloud to them, time seems to slow down. The books they choose are a window into their interests and we often end up enjoying stories we never would have picked ourselves. For us, that was Percy Jackson! It’s wonderful to share stories and have “inside” jokes and references with our kids. Emotional ProcessingAlso, when we share stories we can help our learners process difficult issues and emotions. Sometimes it is better to read about a character grappling with conflict than to receive a lecture. Stories can open a door to those difficult conversations. They can help us develop empathy and perspective, especially if the stories are followed up with thoughtful conversation. For a list of books that can help foster empathy and hope, check out this list from Elena Aguilar. Academic GrowthThe academic reasons for reading aloud to older learners are numerous. Benefits include improved vocabulary, listening skills, and comprehension. Reading aloud models fluency, expression, and a love of learning. Plus, if we are reading non-fiction, we can use read aloud time to deepen understanding of other subjects. Exploring Literary DevicesReading aloud to older kids is also a great way to enjoy the classics that we may have missed in our youth and explore literature. Enjoying classic literature together allows us to enjoy not just the overall story, but also the intricacies of the writing. We can point out different literary elements and later remind our learners to experiment with those elements in their own writing. The Boomerang and Arrow curriculum from http://bravewriter.com are helpful for this exercise. Informal AssessmentBefore resuming our read aloud, we like to ask, “What is the last thing you remember from the story?” This narration exercise allows learners to demonstrate comprehension. Narration is an assessment method, like a verbal quiz (but don’t tell your kids that). If it’s kept casual and relaxed, it is a strong method for students to demonstrate learning. It is a perfect pre-writing activity as well. When learners are asked to verbally express their knowledge, they must use critical thinking, organize their thoughts, and develop the habit of paying attention. Expanding KnowledgeReading aloud to older learners doesn’t necessarily mean reading chapter books together. Big kids can enjoy picture books and short stories, too! In fact, a recent Jeopardy champion included children’s books as his study strategy. Check out this article on how children’s books helped him become a game show millionaire. Using picture books to introduce a topic or help learners recall prior knowledge is a great strategy to use in our homeschools. Tips to Enhance Your Read Aloud
Another beautiful part of reading stories to our older kids? It’s educational time that involves practically zero planning. Your prep can simply be pre-reading (or skimming) the chapter before bed at night and scribbling some customized questions on the back of your bookmark. We have got a lot to juggle and simple, effective lessons are an important part of a happy homeschool family. If our learners are working harder than we are, we are doing it right! Happy Reading!
0 Comments
|
AuthorJenny and Sara Jo help families fi nd joy and academic success in the journey of K-8 secular home education in Central Oregon and beyond. Archives
March 2021
Categories |