We know that reading aloud in the classroom is more than just picking up a book. There’s a lot that goes into a read aloud in order to make it a memorable experience for students. And there are so many experts in the field that share their expertise. Here are some of my favorite read aloud PD books!
I’m sharing all of these books on video too! Check out these Read Aloud PD Books on my YouTube channel:
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Read Aloud PD Books
The Read Aloud Handbook
The Read Aloud Handbook is one of my favorite books for using read alouds with kids. It was originally written in 1982, but has had many updates since then (I have the 7th edition). Jim Trelease discusses the benefits, rewards and importance of reading aloud.
He offers proven techniques and strategies for helping kids discover the pleasure of reading and become lifelong readers. While the book is directed more at parents, there is so much that can be applied in the classroom as well!
In Defense of Read Aloud
Lately, it seems as though read alouds are being viewed as something “extra” to do. In reality, though, researchers argue that reading aloud IS best practice. In his book, In Defense of the Read Aloud, Dr. Layne answers two important questions about reading aloud:
- Why should we?
- How should we?
He provides practical advice on how to use a read aloud most effectively in the classroom. Dr. Layne also includes thoughts from researchers and authors, as well.
Learning Under the Influence of Language & Literature
Lester Laminack is truly the champion of the read aloud and Learning Under the Influence of Language & Literature proves that. Similar to Dr. Layne, he shares how read alouds were once used to get students attention or to get them to just settle down. But, today, it needs to be a vibrant, deliberate part of instruction.
Laminack shows readers how to plan for and implement read alouds for maximum instructional effect. He goes through six types of read alouds, each targeting key instructional goals. This book shares strategies to make your read aloud a successful and effective way to lead students.
More Read Aloud PD Books from Lester Laminack:
Book Access for All Kids
In addition to read alouds, book access for all students in the classroom is important. These next few books provide ideas and strategies to ensure that all kids are able to read books of their choosing. A great way to create lifelong readers!
Game Changer
Game Changer shares the importance fo making books accessible for ALL kids, both in and out of the classroom. Donalyn and Colby stress how critical it is that we allow for student choice in reading and choosing books.
They provide ideas for fostering independent reading habits at school and at home. Game Changer is full of actionable steps. It provides many ideas for putting all these ideas into practice right away.
It’s All About the Books
It’s All About the Books will take you through the steps of creating a school wide library system. The authors go into detail on how to create classroom libraries to fit your students. They provide ways to support student choice and meet their instructional goals. It’s all about investing in quality books – not kits, programs or fancy technology!
The Book Whisperer
The Book Whisperer is another one of my absolute favorite PD books. It is one of those books that I go back to every year and pull something new from each time I read it. Donalyn Miller discusses how important it is to give students choice when it comes to independent reading. She shares how to model authentic reading behavior in order to turn students into lifelong readers. Miller also dives into how to curate a classroom library that is high interest for students.
The Book Whisperer is targeted towards upper elementary and middle school classrooms, but many things can be adapted to a younger crowd. Her follow-up, Reading in the Wild, is a must-read too!
Reading aloud is such a crucial part of the school day. There are so many ways to incorporate picture books and novels into our teaching. What is your favorite PD book about read alouds? There is still so much that we can all learn!
Want to incorporate more read alouds in your classroom? Check out this post about interactive read alouds to get started!
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