"During the read-aloud I am free to practice the art of teaching; during read-aloud, I am not limited by manuals, ditto sheets, or purchased curriculums. I teach from the very core of my being, drawing upon my every experience, as well as upon my wide range of reading and study." (pg. 2)

Such are the joys of authentic teaching in general and the read-aloud in particular. In the introduction to this impressive book, Hahn explains that the read-aloud presents a broad continuum. "At one end of the continuum is pure entertainment---students simply listening to the story read aloud by the teacher. At the other end of the continuum is shared reading---as read-aloud in which each student follows along in a copy of the text." In this book, Hahn focuses on the middle ground---read-alouds "dually devoted to enjoyment and to reading instruction."

The book is divided into seven chapters. The first three concern the three primary ingredients: the teacher, the books, the classroom community.

In the first chapter Hahn posits that the most important role of the teacher during read-aloud is that of a role model. Don't be afraid to interject comments and questions during the read-aloud states Hahn. (She even supplies a list of "quick thoughts" that can activate prior knowledge, encourage visualization, and model inferring without interrupting the flow of the story.) Think of it as providing a "window into the comprehension of a proficient reader." Additionally, whatever your students are studying in reader's workshop "can be reflected and reinforced during read-aloud."

The third chapter titled "Building Classroom Community" is a fascinating look into ways the read-aloud can help you do just that. Hahn notes that the conversations which flow from and around the read-aloud allows the community of learners to "build and develop ideas together." And this also builds community. Additionally, each read-aloud is one small piece in a growing body of common knowledge.

In the next three chapters Hahn delves into strategies: general strategies, fiction strategies, and nonfiction strategies.

In the chapter "General Strategies," Hahn uses real classroom vignettes to describe previewing strategies, activating prior knowledge, reading with expression, visualization, strategies for remembering where you left off, vocabulary, group talk and responses. Here you will find a multitude of tips and techniques that will enhance your read-alouds.

In the chapter on fiction strategies, Hahn highlights the various kinds of teaching one can do during read-alouds: spontaneous teaching, planned teaching, and inquiry based teaching. Each type---such as "Questioning" and "Text-to-Text Connections" is explained by relating a real-life classroom example as well as Hahn's valuable insights.

In "Nonfiction Strategies," Hahn offers advice on how to choose the perfect nonfiction read-aloud as well as tips on teaching topic sentences, clues, and main idea. Again she returns to a real classroom to explain how one can develop an entire unit that is anchored in the read-aloud.

The final chapter, appropriately, concerns evaluation and assessment. Like the rest of the book, it is highly readable and informative. Here Hahn comes full circle, back to the beginning of the book, and neatly ties the various threads of discussion together. At the same time she dispenses valuable advice on exactly how one determines the success of read-alouds and engages in assessment.

Appended is a 16-page chart which Hahn describes as a sampling of favorite read-alouds from teachers. She also includes "Read at Home" sheets for students to take home and fill out as well as a bibliography.

Hahn has an excellent eye for the perfect anecdote, thus conveying in a paragraph or two vital and valuable information that would have taken some writers an entire chapter to explain. Hahn likens a well-done read-aloud to an elegant blend of story and conversation, teaching and learning. With this informative and inspiring book as your guide, you too can achieve this. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis
©2004 Education Oasis  http://www.educationoasis.com