Interactive Think Aloud Strategy
What is an interactive think aloud?
During a think aloud, teachers think aloud to model how they would monitor their own comprehension. By thinking aloud, students are able to get an idea and understanding of what things might be going through their mind while reading or trying to comprehend information. The interactive think aloud is a very beneficial tool, especially when students are able to use it independently. Another way to think about a think aloud, is "eavesdropping on a person's thinking", according to Reading Rockets.
Goal of an interactive think-aloud: see a proficient reader use the strategy, then practice with guidance, and eventually gain control of own comprehension and strategy.
When doing the think aloud strategy, it is important for all students to have a copy of the text that is being read because it will help them follow along and tie the strategy to their own reading later on.
Goal of an interactive think-aloud: see a proficient reader use the strategy, then practice with guidance, and eventually gain control of own comprehension and strategy.
When doing the think aloud strategy, it is important for all students to have a copy of the text that is being read because it will help them follow along and tie the strategy to their own reading later on.
How can I engage students with the interactive think aloud strategy?
It is very important to make sure that students are motivated and engaged during lessons. The interactive think aloud strategy can easily engage students. One variation to the strategy is by having 6 different cards floating around the classroom, 3 for "thoughts" and 3 for "comments". When a student has something to say in relation to the text, they grab a card and the numbers on the card represent the order in which they talk. Another way to involve students is through think-pair-shares, turn-and-talk, and elbow partner discussions.
Why use a think aloud strategy?
It helps students monitor their thinking and improves comprehension
It teaches students to re-read, read ahead to clarify, and look for context clues to make sense of the text
It slows down the reading process to allow comprehension monitoring
It teaches students to re-read, read ahead to clarify, and look for context clues to make sense of the text
It slows down the reading process to allow comprehension monitoring
Videos- Interactive Think Aloud Examples
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Writing Implementation
Writing can be incorporated through the students writing down the thoughts, questions, or concerns that arise while reading. It can also be implemented by having students write down useful information or thoughts that came to mind after reading. By reflecting after the think-aloud, comprehension will increase.
Common Core State Standard
W.6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core State Standard
W.6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Resources
References
Heinemann Publishing. (2010, August 16). Strategies for Teaching Reading: Thinking Partners. Retrieved June 13, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoeVkf3s7E
Miller, M., & Veatch, N. (2011). Literacy in context (LinC): Choosing instructional strategies to teach reading in content areas for students grades 5-12. Boston: Pearson.
The Balanced Literacy Diet. (2011, November 19). Think Alouds: Modeling Ways to Think About Text (Virtual Tour). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZHimY5YZo
Think-alouds. (2015). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/think_alouds
Miller, M., & Veatch, N. (2011). Literacy in context (LinC): Choosing instructional strategies to teach reading in content areas for students grades 5-12. Boston: Pearson.
The Balanced Literacy Diet. (2011, November 19). Think Alouds: Modeling Ways to Think About Text (Virtual Tour). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZHimY5YZo
Think-alouds. (2015). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/think_alouds