Interactive read alouds are an important component of a balanced literacy classroom. Research proves the value of reading aloud to students of all ages, and that students benefit from being read aloud to several times throughout a week.
Teachers need to select a text that is both meaningful and engaging to students, while considering how the text will support lessons, units, or themes the class works on during the year. I also like to let current events, holidays, and student opinions influence the books I choose to use for read alouds. And always remember that thought-provoking questions are essential to every interactive read aloud. I personally use the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions to ensure students take part in a variety of discussions from understanding the plot of the story to analyzing the author’s message.
My printable interactive read aloud template of The Quilt Makers Gift can be modified to use with grades K–5. Text-dependent questions are provided based on the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy Cognitive Dimensions to promote higher levels of text discussion.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift tells the story of a generous woman who makes quilts to give to the poor. The king decides he wants one of her quilts, but the quiltmaker refuses to give him one until he gives away all of his possessions. The king then travels the world giving away his treasures. When he comes back to the village, the quiltmaker gives him one of her beautiful quilts. In short, a quilt maker helps a very selfish king learn that the key to happiness is generosity.