Six Methods of Teaching Read-alouds to PreK Children: A Teacher Tip from Fountas & Pinnell

Many children have gone to daycare or been part of play groups, but for some, prekindergarten is their first experience with a group read-aloud. With careful teaching, even young children new to school can follow these simple routines. Again, you will find methods of teaching that fit your class, but here's a general approach that is effective:

1. Demonstrate the behavior yourself. Describe it in words that are simple. Tell children why it is important.
2. Have two or three children demonstrate the behavior while the others watch (maybe in a circle). Have everyone clap when they do it well.
3. Have everyone demonstrate the behavior and clap for themselves.
4. Insist on the behavior every time with gentle reminders and more demonstration as needed. (If you constantly allow deviations, children will become confused about your expectations.)
5. Give specific praise to the children when they demonstrate the expected behavior.
6. Use positive commands whenever possible; tell children what to so rather than what not to do.