The Artful Read-Aloud: 10 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and Transform Learning

by Rebecca Bellingham

"After reading this book, anyone would feel rejuvenated, inspired, more hopeful again. Rebecca brings us back to our better selves!" -Naomi Shihab Nye It's no secret that reading aloud to children every single day is one of the most important things any teacher, parent, or grown up can do to help children become better readers, thinkers, and frankly, better human beings. There are many resources available-scores of books, articles, web sites, videos, podcasts, and more that highlight the research on why reading aloud to kids is so vital, how to incorporate it into the day, and lists of texts to choose from for each grade level. The Artful Read-Aloud is a user-friendly guide that builds a bridge between the artistic world and the classroom, providing a deeper dive into the artistry of reading aloud. Rebecca Bellingham draws on her experience as a performer, teaching artist, classroom teacher, and literacy coach to make explicit connections between the arts and reading aloud, providing dozens of easy moves teachers can make that can enhance, elevate, and deepen the impact of interactive read-alouds. Each chapter focuses on a specific guiding principle that is drawn from the arts and is meant to spark engagement, provoke inquiry, and inspire deep thinking. She includes practical tips for how to bring each principle to life in the classroom, Reading aloud to your students supports a balanced, rigorous, and joyful literacy curriculum that not only feeds the souls and minds of your students but your own as well. Dip into The Artful Read-Aloud and see what's possible inside your daily read-alouds. By learning to make simple moves that model what real reading looks and sounds like you can help your students become the kind of readers all of us hope they will engaged, thoughtful, lifelong ones.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Teaching

184 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2019

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it’s all right. The first half of the book is better than the last. It wasn’t revolutionary or all that inspirational for me. Just okay. Maybe because I already am a fan of read-aloud? Perhaps it is better for teachers who aren’t sure of the merits of read-aloud and how they can be utilized in the classroom.

[Lauren Phelps]

Lots of great reminders about the power of read aloud!

[Amber Diemer]

This resource is aimed more for classroom teachers, but lots of great ideas for how to engage more with reading-aloud. Online resources that accompany the book also. She talks about pacing, pausing, considering when to ask a question or just listen, reenacting a scene to engage more fully, movement aids in learning. A few really great ideas... are we asking questions in order to have the student confirm our understanding of the text, or to discuss their own ideas and response to the text; is the question you pose to the reader an invitation or evaluation? Sometimes you need to let the text do the talking, and not beat-a-dead-horse. Lots of great-ideas.

[D. Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a seasoned school librarian who reads books to kids a LOT, I really enjoyed and appreciated this book. It was full of great practical, easy to implement tips to make your read aloud more engaging, inspiring, and thought provoking. Yes, some of the tips seemed like common sense, but overall I got a lot of tips that were extremely helpful and I was able to use with my classes the next day. We very often do not think of ourselves as teachers and performers, but after reading this book I fully understand I am putting on a show - but a show that can hopefully inspire kiddos to love reading and stories like I do.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a theatre nerd, actress, teacher, & reading advocate, just like myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and got even more out of it than I thought I would!

I *highly* recommend this read to teachers (of all grade levels) especially, but also parents who want to do even more with their children's reading lives.

I listened on audio, but have already purchased a hard copy so that I can go back and reread and do lots & lots of highlighting & note taking.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's certainly informative and inspiring, and that suggested use of Readers Theater sounds fantastic, but I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to use these tips in my specific teaching setting (I'm a paraprofessional, with student). Still, I'm glad this book exists, and teachers who already have used in-class read-alouds to good effect will be able to take their students to the next level of a love of reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of information (which is definitely needed when teaching about reading aloud and it’s importance), but definitely good information (the power of the pause and meaningful questions). I listened to the audiobook because I checked it out from the library, but I’d definitely recommend reading a physical copy instead! Otherwise this book had a lot of good information that I cannot wait to implement this upcoming school year!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very well written and organized. The principals were outlined clearly with easy to follow explanations and videos to help support the learning. The details and explanations were not cumbersome to understand, but were very nicely broken down and immediately applicable to daily practices. The ideas presented throughout the book are not difficult to implement, and very applicable to daily teaching practices.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to any classroom teacher and/or teacher of reading/ELA. In the busy-ness of a new ELA curriculum, I let read-alouds slip away. This book reminded me of how important read-alouds are for children and how to do them in a way that is most engaging. The author is clearly passionate about the topic of read-alouds as an art and made me see them in a new and different way. I am now feeling inspired to incoporate several new ideas into my classroom next year.

[Courtney E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book outlines ten principles designed to make read-aloud sessions more dynamic and impactful. These principles focus on inspiring and engaging young readers, as well as transforming their learning experiences. In my opinion, the goal of this book is to transform the way read-alouds are conducted, making them a powerful tool for learning and connection. I have some great takeaways from this book that I intend to implement into my classroom setting immediately.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lovely. I'm not a teacher, but I am a parent who reads a lot at bedtime. I was looking for basics about being a good reader for kiddos and found some of that, some ideas for activities we could do together, and a lot of insight into why read aloud time is so important. I also appreciated that this wasn't an overly long or jargon-filled book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the author, Rebecca Bellingham, narrate her philosophies and practices for reading aloud in the classroom -- elementary or high school. I missed having a text to highlight with this title. So many quotes and thoughts about the importance of reading aloud that I wanted to remember! Full of practical advice, inspiration and ideas. Validation for book lovers!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes


literary backpack -

Chart what we know about characters v what we think we know

Think wonder notice about setting

Model and write down questions that pop up along way


heim.pub/artfulreadaloud-login

Email
Key code: artread

Kevin powers books saved my life

Act out/create snapshot of important scenes. While in character, ask about feelings and thoughts

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published at the end of 2019, she made mention of Amanda Gorman.

This was great affirmation that read aloud a matter and we need to continue (or revisit) the practice! I like that she mentioned Kate DiCamillo so much with Because of Winn Dixie and Mercy Watson series.

I listened to this book over a few hours.

[Carrianne Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agreed with another reviewer who stated she enjoyed the first half of the book best. I felt the first two-thirds of the book was helpful and practical ideas for teachers. I do wish she opened the book up more to parents and grand parents.

If I was still teaching, I’d prefer the physical book over audiobook because she gives great book suggestions and links.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great tips. Ways I have not thought about reading aloud. Reasons to do so. The artistic aspect. Just love this book.

Read to further home teaching skills as I do not believe a family ought to rely on public schooling as kids only teachers.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although many of the principles discussed in this book are not new, they were a good reminder and really inspired me to take a closer look at my classroom read aloud. I would recommend this book to any teacher.

[Leah Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best professional development books I have ever read. Read it first in one sitting and then immediately began reading again. I left it feeling inspired, ready to try new approaches in the classroom this year, and stay curious.

[Erica Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It offers concrete examples of how you can improve your art of a read aloud. It was a quick and insight book that highlights the importance of books and offers tips and strategies throughout. I highly recommend this book for a teacher of any age.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of my teacher friends would enjoy this book, so thankful to Heinemann for offering free audiobooks in April.

[Carrie Zimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankful it was offered for free this month, but it felt like list after list in every chapter.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tips to inspire teachers to be more animated and intentional during read alouds.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emphasizes the power of reading aloud books to kids... a few tricks and tips to make it more powerful and meaningful for children.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

All teachers should read this book! Gives great insight and tips for interactive read aloud. They are simple changes which makes the read aloud more powerful!

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short listen with some goods ideas and inspiration.

[Laura Kroninger Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for teachers!

[Audie]

Listened to this book not realizing when I borrowed it that it was written for classroom teachers. A few good pointers for parents but would recommend others (like the Read Aloud Family) for parents