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Podcast: The Structured Literacy Podcast
Episode: S6 E4 - Should We Bring Back the Read-Aloud?
Description: In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn argues for reintroducing regular read-alouds in upper primary classrooms, which have largely disappeared amid the focus on explicit, systematic instruction. She explores how interactive read-alouds build oral language foundations that support reading fluency through developing students' "language prediction engine"—the ability to anticipate what words come next based on vocabulary and syntax knowledge. Drawing on research showing that interactive read-alouds with vocabulary elaboration significantly improve student vocabulary and comprehension, Jocelyn provides practical strategies for strategic text selection, meaningful interaction, and curriculum integration while maintaining the joy and engagement tha...