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Read Aloud Reference Sheet

Core Components

Although timing can change, typical Read Alouds are broken down as follows:

Large group reading Small group reading Theme related activity Book give-away

Set up, consult with other volunteers, gather supplies 10-15 minutes prior

Name tags, LOL Promises, introduction to the theme 5 minutes

Reading (large and small groups) & sometimes a snack 30 minutes

Activity (related to the theme) 15 minutes

Book give-away (can overlap with activity & clean-up) 10 minutes

Clean-up & dismissal 5 minutes

Follow these steps to plan a Read Aloud!

1. Choose an interesting theme 2. Find library books about the theme (and read beforehand)

3. Plan a fun & engaging theme- related activity 4. Provide a small, healthy snack (site-dependent)

About the Books

Choose Books With - Good storyline (complex for older & simpler for younger). Bright and interesting pictures. Text that repeats, rhymes or uses onomatopoeia. Silly subjects. Bring a mix of fiction and nonfiction books.

Consider the following Scholastic findings on what kids ages 6-17 say they want books to do:

Make me laugh, Let me use my imagination, Tell a made-up story, Have a mystery or problem to solve, Have characters I wish I could be like because they’re smart, strong or brave, Teach me something new.

Read Books By - Setting up the story. Showing emotion. Using your whole body. Getting the kids to participate - ask for predictions, use open-ended questions, incorporate pointing, repeat words, finish rhymes and move around.

Give Away Books By - Putting one volunteer in charge. Making the book selection attractive - lay out a variety of different level books on a table and review them so you know the options. Calling up kids one or two at a time. Giving suggestions by letting kids make the final choice.

Snack & Behavior

Serving Snack - If your site serves snack, be sure to provide a healthy snack to kids. LOL policy is that no peanuts, pork or gelatin products can be served. Many kids are hungry at Read Aloud time, so serving snack early on can help them focus.

Managing Behavior - Be proactive! Let kids get their wiggles out in a controlled way. Break into small reading groups or do activities one-on-one. Point out good behavior. When an issue arises, use the three strikes warning system so kids know where they stand. Redirect inappropriate behavior. Use the site staff if you need backup. Overall, set boundaries and stick to them - use the LOL Promises: Listen, Observe, Laugh!

Using Name Tags - Make sure every child & volunteer wears a lanyard or a sticker name tag. Call kids by their names whenever possible.