Read aloud is an important component of literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. During read aloud, the teacher reads a book or story aloud to the students. This exposes students to vocabulary, concepts, and ideas they may not encounter on their own. Read aloud also models fluent reading and allows students to experience the pleasure of listening to a story. With many benefits, read aloud is a classroom staple. However, one question teachers often have is how much time they should devote to daily read aloud.
Recommended Time for Read Aloud
Experts generally recommend 15-30 minutes per day for read aloud in elementary classrooms. Here is a breakdown of the recommended time by grade:
| Grade | Recommended Minutes for Daily Read Aloud |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 15-20 minutes |
| 1st Grade | 15-20 minutes |
| 2nd Grade | 20-30 minutes |
| 3rd Grade | 20-30 minutes |
| 4th Grade | 20-30 minutes |
| 5th Grade | 20-30 minutes |
As the table shows, most experts recommend starting with 15-20 minutes in kindergarten and 1st grade, then building up to 20-30 minutes by 2nd grade. This allows younger students to build their listening stamina. The longer periods in upper elementary grades allow for exposure to more complex texts. Within these recommendations, teachers can adjust times based on their class’s needs. The key is providing a consistent daily read aloud routine.
Benefits of Spending 15-30 Minutes on Read Aloud
Devoting 15-30 minutes to daily read aloud provides many benefits to students:
Exposure to New Vocabulary
Through read aloud books, students hear vocabulary words they likely wouldn’t encounter on their own. Listening to stories read aloud exposes students to 50% more vocabulary words than reading independently. They pick up new words and terms through the context of the stories.
Listening Comprehension Skills
Listening to the teacher read builds students’ listening comprehension abilities. Following along with the story being read aloud promotes focus, attention, and auditory processing.
Knowledge Building
Read aloud books selected by the teacher expose students to new ideas, concepts, times in history, and places they otherwise wouldn’t encounter. This builds students’ general knowledge across subjects.
Awareness of Story Structure
Following along with books read aloud promotes awareness of story elements like setting, characters, plot, and resolution. It exposes students to narrative structure.
Reading Motivation
Being read engaging stories sparks students’ interest in reading more. They develop a positive association between books and pleasure. This motivation sets them up for success in independent reading.
Bonding Experience
Sharing a story together builds a sense of community in the classroom. Students enjoy the experience of listening to a book as a group. This brings them together.
So spending up to 30 minutes on a daily read aloud provides all of these benefits. Teachers find the time investment pays off exponentially in developing students’ literacy skills.
Choosing an Appropriate Text
To maximize the benefits of read aloud time, teachers should choose an engaging, appropriate text. Here are some tips:
– Select a text above students’ independent reading level. It should include vocabulary and concepts they wouldn’t access on their own yet.
– Make sure the content is something students can relate to and connect with. Choose texts on topics that will interest them.
– Consider reading a text connected to other classroom content. This builds background knowledge for upcoming units or projects.
– Variety is important. Choose different genres, authors, styles, etc. to expose students to a range. Rotate fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.
– Know when to stop. Stop at a climatic moment to keep students interested. Don’t continue reading past student engagement.
– Preview vocabulary in the story. Briefly explain challenging words students will encounter before starting the read aloud.
Choosing the right text for read aloud makes all the difference. When teachers intentionally select books using these tips, the activity becomes more engaging and impactful.
Making Read Aloud Interactive
To get the most out of 15-30 minute read aloud sessions, teachers should make the experience interactive. Here are some ways to actively engage students:
– Stop and ask questions periodically to check comprehension
– Have students make predictions about what will happen next
– Invite students to connect parts of the story to their own lives
– Ask students to summarize important events as you go
– Teach vocabulary words and have students repeat
– Promote discussion by asking for opinions on characters or events
– Make connections to other texts students are familiar with
– Act out scenes or use props to bring the book alive
– Have students turn and talk to a partner about their reactions at crucial points
The more discussion and reflection that is embedded in read aloud, the deeper students’ understanding will be. An interactive approach promotes engagement and comprehension.
Where to Fit Read Aloud Into the Daily Schedule
Finding time for read aloud in an already packed elementary schedule can be tricky. Here are some of the best times teachers have found to schedule daily read aloud:
– First thing in the morning – Helps set tone and focus for the day
– After morning work period – Gives students a brain break before core instruction
– After lunch/recess – Calms students and returns focus
– Last period of day – Winds students down and brings closure
– Between subject transitions – Gives students a quick break to refocus
Many teachers find beginning or ending the day with read aloud works well. Others squeeze it in between morning work and instruction or after lunch/recess when energy is low. Scheduling read aloud when students most need a brain break leads to better engagement.
Read Aloud Accommodations
Read aloud is beneficial for all students but extra accommodations may be needed for:
English Language Learners
– Preview vocabulary and key concepts before reading
– Provide discussion opportunities in the student’s native language
– Partner with a strong English speaking peer
– Use visuals and gestures as you read aloud
– Check often for understanding
Students with Learning Disabilities
– Track print while reading to model
– Keep read aloud sessions brief for a short attention span
– Ask specific comprehension questions to individual students
– Have students retell or act out key events
– Modifying complexity of text may be needed
Struggling Readers
– Model fluent oral reading skills
– Build background knowledge before reading complex texts
– Invite students to chorally read repetitive or predictable refrains
– Stop more often to check for understanding
– Make connections to students’ experiences and interests
With the right accommodations, every student can benefit from daily read aloud. Teachers can respond to individual needs during this routine.
Making Read Aloud Enjoyable
Most importantly, read aloud time should be something students look forward to each day. Here are tips for an engaging read aloud:
– Read with expression – use voices and animation
– Incorporate props, costumes or puppets when relevant
– Ham it up and exaggerate humor in the story
– Use sound effects or music to create mood
– Act out scenes with volunteer actors
– End on cliffhangers to build anticipation
– Share your own enthusiasm and reactions
– Invite students to get comfortable to listen
The more theatrical and fun teachers can make read aloud, the more students will enjoy it. This time should feel like a treat, not a chore.
Conclusion
In summary, most experts agree elementary students should receive 15-30 minutes of read aloud time per day. This provides exposure to new texts, models fluent reading, and motivates students’ own reading. Reading aloud utilizes the reciprocal relationship between reading and listening to build comprehension. Teachers should schedule read aloud consistently, choose appropriate books, make the experience interactive, and accommodate students with extra needs. Most importantly, read aloud should be an enjoyable time all students look forward to each day. Consistent, high-quality read aloud time ultimately supports reading achievement and a lifelong love of literacy.