Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

Which of the following best describes "Think Aloud" during reading activities?

1. Reflecting on the text in silence

2. Sharing verbal reflections of thinking processes with students

3. Only writing responses to texts

4. Reading without any interaction

The correct answer is: Sharing verbal reflections of thinking processes with students

"Think Aloud" during reading activities involves sharing verbal reflections of thinking processes with students. This strategy allows educators to model their cognitive processes as they read, thus making the invisible thoughts of skilled readers visible to learners. By articulating how they make connections, ask questions, and monitor their understanding, teachers provide insights into comprehension strategies that students can adopt in their own reading practice. This approach encourages active engagement, as students can hear how thoughts develop during reading, which helps them develop similar habits. It also cultivates a classroom atmosphere where students are more likely to express their thoughts and feelings about texts, facilitating deeper understanding and discussion. The other choices do not effectively capture the essence of "Think Aloud." Reflecting on the text in silence does not demonstrate the cognitive processes to students. Only writing responses does not foster the oral sharing aspect that makes "Think Aloud" valuable. Reading without interaction lacks the engagement necessary to model thinking, making it an ineffective method of teaching comprehension strategies.