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In 1985, the Commission on Reading's report, Becoming a Nation of Readers, presented among its findings that "the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." The commission backed up its conclusion with research that indicated reading aloud in the home is an essential contributor to reading success, and that reading aloud in the classroom is "a practice that should continue throughout the grades."

Reading Aloud -- Is It Worth It?
Many teachers believe reading aloud enhances classroom instruction and improves academic achievement -- and recent research supports their beliefs. Included: Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, talks with Education World.

Reading Aloud -- Are Students Ever Too Old?
Is there ever a time when students are too old to be read to? Many teachers are firm believers in reading aloud -- even at the upper grade levels!

Surprised By Reading Aloud: Confessions of a Math Teacher
Time pressures and accountability have caused educators to look seriously at the way they use class time. One of the results: many teachers are not reading aloud to students as much as they did in the past. Educator Brenda Dyck reflects on this development.

Principals Share Favorite Read-Aloud Books
Education World asked principals to share their favorite books to read aloud to students. The result is a list of books -- some popular and familiar, others obscure -- that should be on every principal's reading list. Included: More than 20 recommended titles.

Shared Reading: Listening Leads to Fluency and Understanding When Janet Allen entered the teaching profession, she was shocked by her students' lack of enthusiasm for reading. In desperation, she searched for a way to turn things around. Included: Tips for a successful "shared reading" in middle and high-school classrooms.

Make Holiday Time Read-Aloud Time
In 2001, the U.S. Department of Education launched its Home for the Holidays Reading Together initiative to encourage parents and children to spend holiday time reading together. Included: Tips for getting the most out of reading aloud to kids.

ADDITIONAL READING ALOUD RESOURCES

• Trelease on Reading
• Reading Aloud to Build Comprehension
• Do's and Don'ts for Reading Aloud to a Group of Children
• The Magical Gift of Reading Aloud

• Reading Fun Archive of Articles
• Celebrate Children's Book Week Archive of Articles

Article by Gary Hopkins
Education World®
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