Domain-based Read-aloud Units

Why use Read-Alouds?

Read-alouds provide an ideal vehicle for teaching content knowledge and fostering language skills. 

• Listening comprehension outpaces reading comprehension through the elementary school years.  Read-alouds leverage listening comprehension to expose children to both language and content.

• Written text uses more rich and complex vocabulary and syntax than the more casual language of conversations, lectures, and class discussions. Read-alouds expose children to rich vocabulary and syntax. 

• A coherently sequenced set of read-alouds provides repeated opportunities for exposure to domain-specific vocabulary and a wider variety of syntax and sentence structures.

Using a domain-based unit format, content knowledge can be taught while simultaneously building listening comprehension and language skills.

Selecting Appropriate Readings

Stories and books appropriate for this read-aloud approach embody the following characteristics:
•    Are written above children’s current reading level
•    Deliver necessary content
•    Use domain and rich vocabulary
•    Appropriate level of complexity
•    Illustrations/diagrams assist in delivering content
•    Appropriate length
•    Factually accurate
•    Appropriate content for age of students
•    Sensitive to diversity

Use the Read-Aloud Checklist to evaluate the quality of texts

Professional Development

Domain-Based Unit Writing is a new workshop offering in which participants will explore the connection between language, knowledge, and comprehension and create a comprehensive outline for a domain-based instructional unit that leverages Core Knowledge content to improve the development of students' language, knowledge, and reading comprehension. Visit our event calendar or contact our Professional Development Coordinator to inquire about scheduling the workshop. 

National Conference Unit Submission

Domain-based units will be the submission format accepted for the 2011 Core Knowledge National Conference. Submissions for the 2011 Core Knowledge National Conference will be accepted after May 1, 2011.