The Magic of Read-Alouds – Language Development Through Shared Reading Experiences : A Survey Study on Teachers’ Perspectives on Reading Aloud

This study aims to increase knowledge about how reading aloud can be used to promote language development among students in school, in particularly the early years. The study investigates how teachers use reading aloud as a tool to support students' language development, the effects of reading aloud on students' vocabulary, and the different ways in which reading aloud can affect students' motivation and interest in reading. The study was conducted using a survey as the research method. The survey was shared in different groups on Facebook and sent to different teachers in Central Sweden, resulting in 166 responses. The results of the study and previous research show how important reading aloud is for students' language development. Reading aloud is also very important for the development of students' vocabulary, as well as their engagement and motivation for reading. Responses from the survey showed that almost all teachers use read alouds daily, which is very positive for strengthening students' language development, vocabulary and engagement.