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The Power of Reading Aloud and Performance
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Teen reading a script with the words "The Power of Read Aloud and Performance" at the top of the photo

Thinking back to my own time in both middle school and high school, I have memories of reading the Shakespeare classics like Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet and being told to act out the text in front of the class. As a thirteen year old, it felt embarrassing to be up in front of my peers enacting sixteenth century drama and lingo. But it also made me realize just how difficult it was to truly understand the meaning of Shakespeare’s writing, especially in real time performance. Sure, I could look up what “double double toil and trouble” alluded to online, but without being given the tools to properly analyze and understand Shakespeare's writing, it was difficult for me to actually gain something from his works. If we put the act of reading aloud performatively into a more digestible and accessible format for students of all ages through high-low and decodable books, it can be much more effective for students’ learning. 

Reading aloud, especially through theatrical or poetic expression is an excellent way to assess students’ understanding of a text while also pushing them to unlock their own creative expression. Performance allows students to explore their own identities and hidden parts of their personalities that come out when reading aloud. The act of live interpretation is one that exercises a student’s brain like no other, as well as one that gives their peers, whether that be a family member, teacher, or friend, an activity of analyzing their performance. When done in a welcoming environment, it is a fun activity for all involved.

Just some of the skills that performance can give students:

Interpretation and analysis 

Aside from their own comprehension of the text and ability to read what is on the page, how a student chooses to read a passage is a specific choice. Whether it is placing emphasis on a different word or pausing for effect, performing a text requires deep analysis of that text, ensuring comprehension on a higher level.

Creativity 

Reading aloud creates so many more opportunities for a student to make unique and creative choices. What voices do different characters use? In poetry, where does the student find natural pauses in the poem? If you are standing up, what movements go along with the words on the page to enhance their meaning? Making those choices, especially in real time, unlocks a window for the audience to see how the performer’s brain is interpreting. 

Thinking on their feet

Reading a potentially unfamiliar text out loud gives students the important exercise of working under healthy pressure. Many students will find that when they are put to reading a sentence aloud after practicing in their head, it will come out more naturally than they think they are capable of, and build their confidence. 

Comprehension 

Aside from the additional skills performance can give students, the deliverance of a text acts as an assessment of how students are able to understand a text. For students who are practicing foundational reading skills, performance can be a culmination of their reading work. For students, it can act as an engaging and exciting way to show what they’ve learned. For teachers, it can be an informal assessment of fluency and comprehension. 

Confidence

Many students have experienced the anxiety of being asked to read aloud in class, struggling with unfamiliar words and feeling embarrassed in front of their peers. This can create a negative feedback loop, leading to avoidance of reading altogether. The solution lies in providing every student with access to books that match their individual reading levels and fostering a supportive classroom environment. Teenagers, in particular, are acutely aware of social pressures and can feel deeply self-conscious when reading aloud. However, when given the opportunity to successfully read aloud from texts that both challenge them academically and captivate their interest, students experience a significant boost in confidence and motivation. This positive reinforcement can be a game-changer, encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

Ready to try read-aloud performances with your students? Check out The Disappearance of Sarah Matthews, a book full of mystery and intrigue, with thought-provoking dialogue and countless opportunities for interpretation. Written at a third grade reading level, but with high-school content, this book is ideal for learning through performance.