S6 E4 - Should We Bring Back the Read-Aloud?

S6 E4 - Should We Bring Back the Read-Aloud?

18:56 Jul 12, 2025
About this episode
In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn argues for reintroducing regular read-alouds in upper primary classrooms, which have largely disappeared amid the focus on explicit, systematic instruction. She explores how interactive read-alouds build oral language foundations that support reading fluency through developing students' "language prediction engine"—the ability to anticipate what words come next based on vocabulary and syntax knowledge. Drawing on research showing that interactive read-alouds with vocabulary elaboration significantly improve student vocabulary and comprehension, Jocelyn provides practical strategies for strategic text selection, meaningful interaction, and curriculum integration while maintaining the joy and engagement that fosters lifelong reading habits. Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! We have released Spelling Success in Action 1, a catch-up program for phonics, early morphology, and orthographic conventions for years 3 to 8. This program can be used one-on-one, in small groups, or as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick.Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com Quick LinksJocelyn Seamer Education HomepageThe Resource RoomYoutube channelFacebook Page#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics
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