I came across this interesting article that addresses how to use Read-Alouds in a classroom when one has a student with autism. Along the way, the author discusses the value of Read-Alouds in general. I've pasted below her main points, and a link to the full article. It's worth reading.
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What is the purpose of the read-aloud?
- The read-aloud is used for the primary purpose of exposing kids to necessary and important text that is higher than their own reading level.
- The read-aloud is used to expose the kids to the pleasure of the written word.
- The read-aloud is used in writing intruction to show kids how words, the rhythm of language, and rhymes can influence a text.
- The use of read-alouds to support lessons in writing instruction is a best practice employed by most literacy teachers.
- The read-aloud is used as a warm-up or cool-down exercise for kids as they prepare to transition to other tasks.
- The read-aloud is used as a break from other academic tasks.
- The read-aloud is used to engage kids in bringing a period of history or a certain situation they’ve read about in other contexts to life.
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