What is the primary purpose of conducting a read-aloud session?

The primary purpose of conducting a read-aloud session is to model fluent reading and enhance comprehension strategies. During a read-aloud, the teacher demonstrates how to read with proper intonation, expression, and pacing, which can help students understand the rhythm and flow of language. This modeling provides a clear example for students to emulate in their own reading practices.

Additionally, read-aloud sessions are effective for engaging students, sparking their interest in texts, and promoting discussions about characters, themes, and ideas presented in the story. They also allow teachers to introduce new vocabulary and concepts in a contextualized manner, which supports comprehension and retention.

Other options do not capture the essence of the read-aloud’s primary aim. For instance, having students read silently to themselves is a different instructional strategy that focuses on independent reading skills. Testing students on pronunciation and distributing reading assignments are also distinct activities that do not reflect the primary educational value of read-aloud sessions. Hence, the focus on fluency modeling and comprehension enhancement makes the second option the most appropriate choice.