What can a Read Aloud do? Fostering Identity, Belonging and Community with Interactive Read Alouds

Read alouds are often a daily activity in the elementary classroom. They are also a foundational cornerstone used to promote a love of reading, model literacy practices and build empathy. Educators can also use read alouds as an intentional way to foster identity, belonging and community in the elementary classroom. Read alouds when chosen intentionally can be a way affirm and expand student’s identities and experiences, learn about different topics and build critical thinking skills. In this session, attendees will consider how to select read alouds for their classrooms, practice intentional engagement strategies and plan connected cross-curricular activities.