Reading Aloud in the Middle School History Classroom

Reading a novel or non-fiction book aloud to my students is an essential part of my school year. I probably began this practice when the district-wide Troybery Reading Program was created by our Media Specialists. In this program students, teachers, and staff read the same newly published books throughout the school year and vote on the top book of the year.  Troybery is outstanding and has been existence for more than 15 years now. 

My read-aloud selections are usually current Troybery historical fiction (or non-fiction) books. This year I have added a few other selections.

My classes have just finished "nine, ten" by Nora Raleigh Baskin, a book about the events of September 11, 2001. Teaching Twentieth (and Twenty-first) Century History is incredibly important to me and I incorporate it whenever possible. Students have little working knowledge of this time period. We read the story aloud and then discuss the historic facts embedded in the story. 

Reading aloud is beneficial on many levels. It's a great way to help students settle down when the bell rings and class begins. I simply begin reading and the ambient noise takes care of itself. (I will often hear a chorus of "ssshhhh..." from students when others haven't realized I've started reading.) One of our read-aloud class procedures is to have everything off of desks during this time. I've noticed my students have become adept at multi-tasking otherwise--clearing their desks is excellent practice in mindfulness and focusing wholly on one thing instead. 

Listening to an adult reader's rate of speaking and changes in inflection can be very helpful to all students, especially English Language Learners. The fact that students are visualizing the story in their heads while I'm reading aloud helps them to be better thinkers and even problem solvers. 

A common read-aloud builds community. We feel connected when we experience the difficulties and successes the main characters deal with in a story. I hear gasps, giggles, and see the "aha" moments when we are encountering conflict and success, as well. They also groan when I often end the day's reading at a key part--there's nothing like building suspense!

Classes were given a choice for the next read-aloud. One class selected "Sophia's War" about the Culper Spy Network during the Revolutionary War (a former Troybery).  Two classes have chosen "The President Has Been Shot!" a gripping non-fiction account of the Kennedy Assassination. One class has selected a former Troybery non-fiction book about the journey to exonerate the captain of the USS Indianapolis after WWII, "Left for Dead". (This book got its start as a National History Day project, I'm proud to note.)

Middle School students are definitely not too old to be read to!