Reading Rocks: Literature -based Instruction

There are many ways to structure literature-based instruction. One way is reading aloud. There are many benefits to reading aloud in the classroom.

Our textbook, Literature and the Child, (Galda, L., & Sipe, L. (n.d.). Literature and the child (Eighth ed.). provided us with a list with reasons for reading aloud;

Introduces new vocabulary
Displays interesting sentence patterns
Presents a variety of forms of language
Shows various styles of written language
Develops a sense of story, poetry, or exposition
Motivates children to read more
Provides ideas for student's writing
Enriches student's general knowledge
Models the sound of fluent reading
Adds pleasure to the day

I believe that read-alouds reach their highest level of potency when they
are based on a careful balance between fiction and nonfiction—exposing
learners to the language forms and structures of the many different text
types they need to control as a reader. The language of a set of directions, an
informational poem, a Seymour Simon description, and a newspaper all differ
dramatically from the language of a novel or picture book. If we are to empower
students as readers of all the texts in their world, we must ensure they have
ample opportunity to listen to and reflect upon the broadest possible range
of text types. Read-aloud weaves a rich tapestry of wonder and thoughtful
reflection that gains strength and momentum when built upon a wide range of
subjects and differing text structures.
— Linda Hoyt, Author of the Interactive Read-Alouds: Linking Standards, Fluency, and
Comprehension series (Heinemann)

Here is a list of online resources in choosing read-alouds:

International Reading Association
Choices Reading Lists:
www.reading.org/resources/

Booklists.aspx
Featuring annual Children’s Choices,
Teachers’ Choices, and Young Adults’
Choices reading lists.

Jim Trelease’s Home Page:
www.trelease-on-reading.com
Read-aloud expert Jim Trelease
provides many suggestions for
reading aloud to children of all ages.

Read Aloud America Recommended
Books: readaloudamerica.org/
booklist.htm
Suggested read-aloud titles for
infants through high schoolers.

Storyline Online:
www.storylineonline.net
Celebrities read children’s books
aloud

Here are some of my fourth graders favorite read-alouds that I have used over the years:

Chapter Books

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate
DiCamillo