In the latest instalment of their podcast series, Sharon and Phil delve into high-impact strategies for struggling readers in years three to six, shedding light on the profound effects these methods can have. This episode, part five, spotlights the importance of read-aloud sessions and explores why this practice is a cornerstone for literacy development.Sharon begins by acknowledging that their journey through these strategies has been unexpectedly extensive, reflecting on the depth and significance of each method they’ve discussed. She emphasises that the strategies they explore are research-backed and have proven effective in their teaching experiences. Both Sharon and Phil are seasoned educators, enriched by their involvement with organizations such as ALEA (Australian Literacy Educators Association) and the ILA (International Literacy Association), and they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.The conversation swiftly moves to their recent trip to Melbourne, where they collaborated with a new team of educators. The visit underscored the critical role of read-alouds, not just for struggling readers but for all students. Sharon and Phil underscore that reading aloud is a daily, significant, research-based strategy that fosters a range of essential reading skills. They list the benefits: enhanced fluency, improved comprehension, expanded vocabulary, increased background knowledge, a deeper understanding of story structure and genre, and overall reading enjoyment.Sharon and Phil stress the importance of intentionality in choosing read-aloud books. They advocate for selecting texts that are slightly above the students' current reading level to stretch their thinking and expose them to more complex vocabulary and ideas. This approach not only engages students but also fosters a sense of inclusion, allowing struggling readers to participate fully in the learning process.The episode is rich with practical advice. Sharon suggests keeping students close during read-aloud sessions to maintain engagement and using gestures to convey meaning, a strategy supported by research. Phil adds the importance of planning and selecting a diverse range of books, including poetry and different genres, to keep the sessions dynamic and engaging.A significant part of the discussion revolves around making read-aloud sessions more effective. Sharon and Phil propose strategies like summarising significant events in the story to help students track the plot and understand the text's structure. They highlight the necessity of exposing students to new words and phrases, encouraging them to think critically about the text, and fostering a classroom environment where every student feels like a valued participant in the reading process.As they wrap up, Sharon and Phil reflect on the broader implications of reading aloud. They emphasise that books open up worlds beyond the students' immediate experiences, fostering empathy, curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. This, they believe, is the true power of reading aloud, making it an indispensable tool in every teacher's literacy teaching arsenal.In essence, this episode of the podcast is a treasure trove of insights for educators aiming to enhance their literacy teaching practices. Sharon and Phil's passion for teaching and their commitment to supporting struggling readers shine through, offering listeners both inspiration and practical guidance. FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
