As a teacher, you may be wondering whether to use read-alouds or novel studies in your classroom. Though they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually quite a few key differences that you should be aware of. Keep reading to learn more about read-alouds vs. novel studies so that you can make the best decision for your classroom!
Plus get FREE close read bookmarks that you can use with any read-aloud book OR novel with your students.
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Read-Alouds vs. Novel Studies: Which Should You Use?
When it comes to incorporating literature into the classroom, there are a number of different approaches teachers can take. Two of the most popular are read-alouds and novel studies.
Which one should you use? Well, that depends on:
- your teaching goals
- student reading levels
- the amount of time in your literacy block
- whether you follow a curriculum map with a teaching team
Both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
The one you choose ultimately depends on your teaching goals.
As a former 2nd grade teacher and as a 4th Grade ELA & SS teacher, I found a way to use both. ππΎ (More details on that later!)
Let’s take a quick journey exploring both so you can learn more about the key differences between read-alouds vs. novel studies.
What is a Read-Aloud?
A read-aloud is when the teacher reads a text out loud to the class.
This can be done with any type of text, including
- shorter picture books
- chapter books
- informational texts
- individual poems or book of poems
The purpose of a read-aloud is for the teacher to model their thinking process as they read, which gives students a chance to see fluent reading in action.
I LOVE β€οΈ reading out loud to my students, even upper elementary students!
No matter how old students get, they still enjoy a good story being read to them.
Additionally, read-alouds give all students a chance to access complex texts that they might not be able to read on their own.
A Post You Might Like:
Read-Alouds: Advantages and Disadvantages
However, when it comes to read alouds vs. novel studies, you need to know the pros and cons of both.
Consider the good side of read-alouds such as:
Advantages:
- They provide an opportunity for all students to engage with the same text at the same time. This can be especially beneficial for struggling readers who may not be able to comprehend the material on their own.
- Read-alouds also allow teachers to model fluency, expression, and other important reading skills for their students.
- Because they are usually shorter than novels, read-alouds can be completed in one class period or less, which works well for shorter literacy blocks.
- Finally, read-alouds can be used to introduce new vocabulary words or concepts in a low-pressure situation.
Despite the good, we don’t live in a perfect world. Excessive read-alouds have their pitfalls too.
Disadvantages:
- One drawback of read-alouds is that they donβt usually allow for much student choice or independence with book selection.
- This could lead some students to become bored or restless if theyβre not interested in the text being read aloud.
- Read-alouds lack rigor if they are not properly planned and executed. Just reading out loud to students isn’t enough to help them build strong comprehension skills.
Now that we’ve taken the deep dive in to read-alouds, let’s do the same for novel studies.
What is a Novel Study?
A novel study is when students read a longer chapter book aka novel with a deeper analysis of the text. These books often have less pictures, more words, and a more complex plot.
When it comes to novel studies, students can read
- on their own / independently–whether in class or at home
- with a partner or in small groups
- in a whole group setting (reading the same novel) where students take turns reading out loud instead of me reading out loud to them (this one is actually MY favorite and how I incorporate novel studies for 4th and 5th grade)
Not only do students take more ownership of the reading process, but they also complete reading activities or projects related to their novels.
These activities could include things like character analysis, writing summaries of each chapter, or creating book report projects that relate to the themes in the book.
The purpose of a novel study is for students to dive deeply into one particular text, forging a personal connection with the story and characters.
Novel Studies: Advantages and Disadvantages
Just like read-alouds, studying novels has its downsides. Beware of the ups and downs you may experience using them in your classroom.
Advantages:
- Novel studies give students the chance to work at their own pace and level, which can promote both engagement and independence.
- Most of the time they offer more flexibility than read-alouds, meaning they can be easily adapted to fit the needs of your schedule and students.
- In addition to these, novel studies also usually require less preparation time for teachersβstudents donβt need to wait for the teacher to finish reading aloud before starting on them.
- Student engagement can increase since they may be reading a chapter book of their choice.
Disadvantages:
- One potential downside of novel studies is that some students may require more support than others in order to be successful. This can make differentiated instruction difficult to implement .
- Another disadvantage of reading chapter books is that they often take longer to complete than read-alouds. This can be challenging for teachers who are working with tight schedules. Students who lack strong reading skills may take much longer to finish one book.
- Finally, some students may struggle with motivation when working on a longer project like a novel study.
That final disadvantage highlights why I changed my teaching strategy with novel studies.
I learned (the hard way) that my former 4th grade students needed an organized whole group reading approach when it came to chapter books.
The key for me was allowing them to read the books out loud instead of me reading to them. PLUS, I picked books that showcased diversity and interest to students.
Many of my recommended novels are available in my Amazon storefront based on grade level and topic.
You can also watch this YouTube Video where I share some of my chapter book recommendations for upper elementary teachers.
Are Read-Alouds More Effective Than Novel Studies?
With all these details, which is better?
The decision of whether to use a read-alouds or novel studies in your classroom will ultimately come down to your teaching goals and the needs of your students.
If youβre looking for a way to engage all students with the same text, or if you want to model important reading skills, then a read-aloud might be right for you.
On the other hand, if youβre hoping to promote student independence or provide more flexible instruction, then a novel study would probably be a better fit.
However, you don’t have to pick one OR the other. You can use BOTH.
If your struggle relates to time management, check out my literacy centers posts, which give ideas on how to incorporate both.
- 2nd Grade Literacy Center Ideas
- 3rd Grade Literacy Center Ideas
- 4th Grade Literacy Center Ideas
- 5th Grade Literacy Center Ideas
- 6th Grade Literacy Center Ideas
Each of these posts also gives book ideas for you. π€
No matter what you decide, both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account before making your final decision.
Keeping Students on Task During Reading Time
Is it sometimes a struggle for your students to behave during reading? Well, my friend Marissa from Creative Classroom Core shares practical and effective tips on How to Keep Students Accountable During a Read-Aloud.
Implement her ideas during your next literacy block.
FREE Close Read Bookmarks For Your Students
Maybe you’re already using one or both in your classroom, but you want some engaging reading activities to go with them.
Either way, these free reading graphic organizers can be used with ANY book or story.
Even if you use basal readers for short story read-alouds, these reading printables can be used to boost engagement.
Grab your set here: ππΎ
