Shared interactive book reading (SIBR) is a broad term used to describe the act of adults reading aloud to children, while encouraging interaction by asking questions and engaging in a discussion about the book. SIBR can be used to embed naturalistic communication teaching strategies, creating learning opportunities to promote a child's language…

This report examines the importance and efficacy of oral language, literacy, mathematics, and science preschool curricula and how these curricula can be improved through alignment with research on early childhood development and learning. Detailed, research-driven recommendations are presented for what preschool-aged children should be learning in…

New research shows that certain conditions surrounding read-alouds will ensure the greatest benefits. Suggestions for getting the most out of reading aloud include: engage students' interests; make sure the books are at the right difficulty level; spend an appropriate amount of time on reading aloud; offer a range of materials to read aloud; and…

Weekly poetry fests, using poetry throughout the curriculum, and giving children a sense of the tremendous variety of poetry are discussed as methods for helping children appreciate poetry. (HTH)

Reading aloud is an essential part of the classroom instructional program, along with direct instruction and sustained silent reading or book contact, and should not be slighted despite the numerous time demands from other sources. Reading aloud to children provides opportunities for introducing children to good literature and encourages language…

Prompted by the fact that short and interesting materials suitable for reading aloud to secondary school students are difficult to find, a survey was conducted to compile a list of such materials for dissemination. The 260 respondents included secondary school teachers in all curriculum areas. Results indicated that half the respondents read…

Aversion to poetry reading in adults may be directly related to the misguided teaching methods directed toward the student. Programs for teaching poetry to elementary and junior high students should focus on two areas of emphasis: how to read poetry, both aloud and silently, and how to understand poetry. (JN)

Describes how elementary teachers can give students a boost in content area reading by reading aloud paired nonfiction and fiction text sets, explaining: why nonfiction is so important; how to teach children how nonfiction works; how to carry out a paired text read-aloud; and how to look for evidence of learning in the reading/writing workshop.…

Demonstrates how peer interaction during writing helps children experience connections between reading and writing. Describes children's responses to unfinished pieces, a peer's "published" piece, other students' published books (read aloud by a student other than the author), and to books written by professional authors. (HTH)

Shows that reading aloud to students can improve students' reading and writing skills, as well as their attitudes toward reading. (RL)

Discusses the measurable benefits in reading improvement, language skills, listening skills, and access to material beyond present skills that children receive from teachers reading aloud. Includes guidelines for successfully reading aloud in the classroom and a brief bibliography of sources of good books to read aloud. (HTH)

Stories are one means of communication between people of all ages. The telling of stories or listening to them is a part of a tradition as old as human experience. This guide gives practical advice, curriculum suggestions, and story examples for teachers interested in using storytelling with young children. The following are the sections: (1)…

Illustrates the importance of rereading a story to children several times, enabling them to grasp its significance and meaning. (HTH)

Details the external and internal elements of book sharing, activities that could follow, and the essential enrichment possibilities. Mentions specific book titles, activities, and goals to provide a guide for the interested teacher or parent. (FL)

Describes an oral literature program that motivated children to read more and better books, provided them with meaningful, literature-centered reading and listening practice; expanded their knowledge of their literary heritage; enhanced their reading comprehension; and sharpened their reading, vocabulary, and listening skills. (FL)