Tool 04 · The Read Aloud Project · Planning & observation
Read-Aloud Session Planner & Observation Record
Plan what you want children to have a chance to notice, understand or discuss. Then record what you actually observed — without turning every response into proof of learning.
Designed to print or complete on screen. This is a practitioner planning and observation tool, not a validated literacy assessment.
Before the session
□ Can everyone see or follow?
□ Is the language likely to need explanation?
□ Are there different ages, reading levels or language backgrounds to plan for?
□ Is there anything in the story that needs context before reading?
□ Where might I pause?
□ Which question is worth discussing?
□ How can children participate without only answering teacher questions?
□ What will I do if time runs short?
Decide what you will notice
Choose only a few observable indicators. Examples: a child retells a key event; connects two parts of the story; explains a character's choice using the text; asks a relevant question; revises an interpretation after hearing another view.
Indicator 1Indicator 2Indicator 3During / immediately after
Calibrate the conclusion
Plan the next session
Evidence boundary: attendance, attention, enjoyment and participation can all matter, but none automatically demonstrates comprehension or lasting learning. A single session observation is a bounded snapshot. Use repeated, fit-for-purpose evidence when the question requires a stronger conclusion.