Repeated Interactive Read-Alouds in Preschool and Kindergarten

Repeated Interactive Read-Alouds in Preschool and Kindergarten

The article describes in detail a step-by-step interactive read aloud in pre-k and in kindergarten using complex storybooks. This technique of reading aloud three times in different ways allows children to use critical thinking, helps children to develop oral vocabulary and listening comprehension, also allows teachers to support children’s understanding of the book, and model strategies for making interpretations.  “Teachers prompt children to engage in analytical thinking by making comments that model such thinking and then asking thoughtful questions.” (McGee & Schickedanz, 2007). Children must be engaged in “analytic talk”. The greatest benefits are achieved when children get involved in making predictions, asking questions and making inferences. It is the teacher’s responsibility to engage students in analytical thinking by modeling this type of thinking through remarks, providing prompts to act out the story and then asking reflective questions.

Children learn more vocabulary when they are active participants in storytelling rather than unresponsive listeners. According to Dickinson (2001) “research has demonstrated that the most effective read-alouds are those in which children are actively involved asking and answering questions and making predictions rather than passively listening.” (as cited in McGee & Schickedanz, 2007).

The article suggests the story be read three times. 

The first read includes:

                   1.    Story problem Introduction

                   2.       Vocabulary Support

                   3.       Analytical Comments

                   4.       Ask "Why Questions"

The second read is usually completed two days after the initial read.

1. Enrich Comprehension
2. Define More Words
3. Ask More questions
4. Ask "Why Questions" 

The third read usually takes place two days after the second read.

1. Reconstruct the story
2. Recall information about the story
3. Ask if they remember what happens next
4. Ask "Why Questions"

In my opinion, this is the best way to teach children how to love reading! Having the children take part in the story makes it more meaningful. This also teaches students to recall sequence of events, retell the story, creativity, concept development and book knowledge.

In my school district, we use this technique but we add two more steps to it. Before the first reading, we show students a picture book and they make predictions about what the story is going to be about, the characters, the setting, the book title, the plot, and what is the problem and solution. The other step is at the end of the week we do a story map in which we summarize the information of the book using pictures and symbols. This is a great way to encourage discussion and build new vocabulary. Using pictorial symbols makes it easier for young children to learn the elements of a story.

 After reading this article, I came to the conclusion that interactive read aloud helps children increase engagement, understanding, and appreciation of literature in early childhood and I will implement this technique by prompting my students to help them think analytically by asking high quality questions. I will also buy the books that the article recommends such as: Henny Penny (Galdone, 1968), Oonga Boonga (Wishinsky 2001), and Owl Moon (Yolen 1987).

References

Mcgee, L. M., & Schickedanz, J. A. (2007). Repeated Interactive Read-Alouds in Preschool and Kindergarten. The Reading Teacher, 60(8), 742-751. doi:10.1598/rt.60.8.4

My Literacy Development

I was born in Colombia in 1963 in a very small town named "La Victoria."  In my hometown there were only two schools, one was an all-girls catholic school and the other one was an all-boys catholic school. Kindergarten did not exist back in the day and you had to be 7 years-old in order to enter elementary school. When I turned 7 and my parents decided to sign me up for elementary school, they were notified that there were no more spots available and they had no option but to register me in the all-boys elementary school. I was the first girl to attend an all-boys' school. I remember that they made my mom cut my hair short and for the uniform I had to wear pants instead of a skirt. I used to cry every day for the first month but then I got used to it and I made a lot of friends.

I started learning to read when I was in first grade, with a method called the "generating word method". This method presents an illustrated word that the teacher reads aloud so that the students can repeat their reading. The word is then divided into syllables which in turn are used to construct new words. As new words are added, new letters appear and then new words are generated. The first book that I remember reading was called "Nacho Lee".

My name is Maritza Rojas Andrade. I studied in a vocational High School with an emphasis on the educational profession. Then, I graduated with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I also hold a degree in Industrial Engineering. I came to this country eight years ago, I studied ESL at Union County College and I completed my bachelors degree in Psychology from Kean University.  

My professional experience includes thirty years at the Pre-K, Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle school levels. At the present, I work as a Pre-k teacher at Elizabeth Board of Education. This position enables me to provide students with a “head start” in mastering basic skills. It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my ability to be a compassionate, enthusiastic, and intelligent teacher who will make a positive contribution in my school district. This is my first time taking a class at NJCU and I am currently enrolled in classes to obtain my 15 credits for the alternate route program. My expectations for this course are to learn more about literacy development, language acquisition and phonemic awareness.

I have a small family but I am very fortunate to have a beautiful daughter, her name is Marcela, she is  25 years old and she has a bachelors degree in Biology. She is my motivation and inspiration to succeed. My hobbies include jogging, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with my daughter.