What should teachers do during read-aloud sessions to improve vocabulary instruction?

During read-aloud sessions, explicitly instructing word meanings is essential for improving vocabulary instruction. When teachers take the time to define and explain new or complex words within the context of the story, they provide students with the necessary tools to understand and retain these terms. This active engagement helps students connect new vocabulary with their existing knowledge, fostering deeper comprehension and allowing them to use these words in their own writing and speech.

Moreover, this approach encourages students to ask questions and participate in discussions about the meaning of words, which reinforces their understanding and allows them to see how words function in various contexts. This method is particularly effective in memorable and relatable ways, as students are exposed to words in engaging narratives. By linking vocabulary instruction to meaningful stories, teachers can help students expand their language skills significantly.