How Do I Structure an Interactive Read Aloud?

Book Selection

• Age appropriate characters
• Multicultural themes and/or different cultures
• Gender appeal
• Values/moral lessons or themes children can relate to
• Noted authors and/or award winning titles
• Illustrations that are varied and have wide appeal
• Vocabulary words to discuss and explore from text
• Text, ideas, and depth of story that allow for discussion
• DO YOU LIKE IT?! Children will feed off of your enthusiasm for the books you read!

Vocabulary Selections

• Select Tier 2 words
• Words that appear in the context of the story
• Introduce word and definition before & during story
• Retouch on vocabulary words at the end
• (((Learn More!)))

Question Selection

• Questions that will encourage critical thinking (How, Why, Where and What questions)
• Questions that will allow students to make predictions
• Questions that will help students draw conclusions

• A character has expressed an opinion or feeling
• The story has reached a point where a conflict has arisen is about to be resolved
• Illustrations can contribute to discussion
• There is a natural break in the story