You’ll need to start by selecting the right text for your class. Always, ALWAYS, read your selection in advance. You need to ensure that what you are reading is appropriate for your students and your lesson. You also need to decide whether or not you are enjoying the text yourself. You can’t fake enthusiasm with a bunch of teenagers. They won’t buy it.
When choosing a text, think carefully about what purpose you want the read-aloud to serve. Is this to introduce a new chapter? Do you want to make sure that they know the current events in your content area? Do you want to provide them with an example of your content area in the real world? Choose your text wisely for the most success.
The best time to read to kids is at the beginning or end of class. Read alouds are perfect transition activities. They don’t need to be longer than about 15 minutes—students get antsy if you go longer than that. If you’re reading a novel or other lengthy piece, you may want to plan to end your session at an intriguing point—leave your audience begging for more! You can follow your read aloud up with discussion, journals, write-arounds, written conversations, etc., but don’t feel that you need to grade them.
Reading aloud to teens can make a profound difference in their lives as learners and as readers.
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