In Defense of Read-Aloud

If you read it for no other reason, read it for the humor! I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Steven L. Layne and hearing him speak to an audience at a literature conference. The man could have a third (fourth? fifth?) career as a comedian. Teachers are usually in desperate need of a laugh - and you are guaranteed one in this book. Personally, I don't think the book adds too much to the topic that the Jim Trelease book doesn't cover (read it if you haven't - it's like the bible of read-aloud), but I did go through and highlight lots of titles to check out. I did love reading the letters from teachers to authors. It is a short book and I found the design/formatting a bit elementary (ironically.) He makes a lot of good points, but it's not revolutionary.... Enjoy!

This book should be required reading for all education majors, and especially for administrators. Parents would also benefit from it. Breezy, humorous, and quick to consume, the value of reading aloud to our children is brought to life through letters (written by authors and teachers) and through tales of real life experiences with students in the classroom.Reading aloud is one of the most undervalued tools we have to help our children become more enthusiastic and capable independent readers. The provided list and discussion of recommended read aloud books (for all ages) is very helpful and enticing. I found myself checking out or purchasing several of the books discussed in this book even before I completed it. Librarians should be sure to include this book in their collection. This book would be a good choice for teacher/staff development discussion groups. It's the perfect gift for your school's principal.

As a teacher who has been reading to her students for years, I'm glad of the support that Dr. Layne gives to teachers who use this process in their classrooms. Given as many ESOL/ELL students that we have in the United States, as well as many other countries, reading aloud to students is important for fluency and comprehension. Students need to hear the language, as well as read it, and write it in order to be able become a part of the communities they live in.

I would give this 10 stars if I could! Is it impossible for a professional book to be motivational, hilarious, and informative? The answer is a huge YES! Two fellow teachers bought this after I told them it was the funniest professional book I'd ever read! Humor works wonders, thank you Steven Layne for your witty wise writing! Just what I needed to read during all the high stakes testing to keep me focused on what's important and not fall prey to the testing hullabaloo!

I love Steve's position on read-alouds. I guess I'm lucky I never have had to prove why I read aloud but I loved the validation and the wealth of resources. He writes with witty sarcasm; I found myself laughing throughout the book (which is great in a professional text).

Steven Layne presented this book in a way that presented argument for why read-aloud is so effective as well how to have the most effective read-aloud. The difference between this book and many other professional books is Layne's many quick quips that made me laugh out loud while reading. Usually professional reading is much more dry.

This is a perfect compilation of research and good writing. The author speaks directly to teachers in a light, humerous manner but continues to impart legitimate research to support the ideas. Reading aloud to students should be the lynchpin of any literacy program. There are many suggestions for teachers to choose from to match their students interests and needs. A Must read for new teachers and experienced ones.

Lists of resources for research, popular read alouds, moving letters between teachers and authors, and a clear passion for reading aloud to students and kids fill this book and make it a more than worthwhile purchase and read.

As always, Dr. Layne provides persuasive, easy-to-read information why reading and, in this book, why reading aloud to your students is not only fun, but must be considered instructional practice. A great companion to his other informational text for teachers, Igniting a Passion for Reading. Both must-reads for ALL teachers!