Interactive Read-Alouds and Cross-Curricular Learning: Bridging an Implementation Gap in Today’s Classrooms

Abstract

Despite the multitude of benefits, interactive read-alouds are being implemented less frequently and without best practices due to the current state of education, in which time and data are overpowering teachers’ ability to bring authentic, interactive read-alouds into the classroom. This Capstone Essay will explore the disconnect between best-practice implementation of interactive read-alouds and their current presentation in today’s classrooms. Keeping in mind the present need for efficiency, recommendations for cross-curricular read-alouds, particularly of science texts, will illustrate a means of providing students with the neglected content of science in an engaging and multi-functional medium. This Capstone Essay will show how melding interactive read-alouds with science content ensures that students are receiving a comprehensive knowledge base of multiple subjects while developing their overall collaboration and critical thinking abilities.