Using Read-Alouds with Critical Literacy Literature in K-3 Classrooms

National Association for the Education of Young Children. 1313 L Street NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 22205-4101. Tel: 800-424-2460; Tel: 202-232-8777; Fax: 202-328-2649; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://journal.naeyc.org

Y

3

Childrens Literature; Comprehension; Reading Aloud to Others; Literacy Education; Grade 1; Reading Instruction; Critical Thinking; Oral Reading; Teaching Methods; Relevance (Education); Elementary School Students; Prior Learning; Reading Material Selection

1538-6619

Teacher read-alouds are planned oral readings of children's books. They are a vital part of literacy instruction in primary classrooms. Teachers can use read-alouds to develop children's background knowledge, stimulate their interest in high-quality literature, increase their comprehension skills, and foster critical thinking. While reading, teachers model strategies that children can use during their own independent reading. This article describes read-alouds that feature critical literacy literature. Critical literacy literature consists of high-quality children's books that prompt children to think and talk about social issues that impact their daily lives. The article includes a rationale for the importance of using children's literature and read-alouds in primary classrooms; a description of critical literacy and the kinds of children's books appropriate for critical literacy read-alouds; and an example of a critical literacy read-aloud in a first grade classroom by one of the authors.

ERIC

5

2010

EJ868229