Enhancing Vocabulary and Comprehension for English Learners Through an Interactive Read-Aloud System
The Read-Aloud Routine for Building Vocabulary and Comprehension Skills tools guide prekindergarten and K–3 educators in implementing a system for whole-class text reading focused on language and comprehension development for English learners (Giroir, Grimaldo, Vaughn, & Roberts, 2015; Hickman, Pollard-Durodola, & Vaughn, 2004). The key steps of the read-aloud routine include (1) introducing high-utility words within the context of a narrative or informational text (vocabulary, background knowledge); (2) reading the text aloud with students (modeling fluency); and then (3) structuring meaningful interactive, text-based activities that allow for deeper processing of new vocabulary and concepts from the text (vocabulary, comprehension, language development). The read-aloud system incorporates principles of culturally responsive pedagogy by providing guidance to teachers in choosing culturally responsive reading texts and facilitates vocabulary development by connecting new linguistic concepts to students’ backgrounds and lived experiences.
Getting Started With the Read-Aloud: Prekindergarten and K–3 Materials for Teachers
Sample Lessons and Video Models
20 English Lesson Plan Sets:
- The Story of Ruby Bridges
- Stellaluna
- Spoken Memories
- Painted Words
- Sitti’s Secret
- The Other Side
- One City, One School, Many Foods
- The Name Jar
- Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
- The Kissing Hand
- Julius, the Baby of the World
- Chrysanthemum
- Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock
- In my Family
- I love Saturdays and Domingos
- A Chair for my Mother
- A Bad Case of the Stripes
- Corduroy
- Abuelo and the Three Bears
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
9 Spanish Lesson Plan sets:
- Abuelo y los Tres Osos
- Alexander y el Día Terrible, Horrible, Espantoso, y Horroso
- Un Sillón para Mi Mamá
- Corduroy
- Stelaluna
- Me encantan los Saturdays y Domingos
- En Mi Familia
- Un Caso Grave de Rayas
- Un Beso en mi Mano
Videos:
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Professional Development for K–3 Teachers
- Read-Aloud Presentation
- Reading Teacher article
- Abuelo Vocabulary, English
- Abuelo Lesson Plan
- Read-Aloud Routine Self-Observation Form
- Read-Aloud Routine Planning Template
Professional Development for Prekindergarten Teachers
- Prekindergarten Presentation “The Kissing Hand”
- Kissing Hand Participant Notes
- Kissing Hand Presenter Notes
- Vocabulary Card Template
- Kissing Hand Handouts
- Prekindergarten Presentation “Corduroy”
- Corduroy Participant Notes
- Corduroy Presenter Notes
- Corduroy Handouts