What is a benefit of reading aloud to students?

Reading aloud to students has several benefits, and one primary advantage is demonstrating how books are used, such as how they are held and how pages are turned. This practice helps young learners understand the physical format of books, which is essential as they develop their reading skills. It promotes an understanding of the reading experience, including the structure of a book (title page, cover, etc.) and the directionality of text, which is crucial for early readers.

In addition to this, reading aloud encourages engagement with the material and can foster a sense of excitement and interest in stories and themes. It opens pathways for discussions about the content, character development, and critical thinking, enriching the overall educational experience. While reading aloud can indeed promote writing skills, enhance vocabulary, and facilitate memorization of text, those are not the primary focus of the experience when demonstrating the mechanics of handling books.