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.