ASLA 2021 Virtual Conference - KEYNOTE Dr Steven Layne (USA) In Defense of Read Alouds

Dr Steven Layne is a Professor of Education at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and is passionate about reading aloud to students of all ages. He is the author of professional texts as well as books for children and young adults. It was not a typical start to a presentation. With just the cover of Patricia McCormick’s book Sold showing on the screen, the first we heard of Steven speaking was when he commenced reading a chapter from the book (also called “Sold”, pp. 107 to 110). He read with great passion and expression, transporting us into the life of a young girl who was trapped in an awful situation. As he finished the chapter, his words left us hanging – wanting to hear more. Like an actor, Steven is well honed in his craft of bringing a text to life.