Paired Reading | Practicalstrategies

Paired Reading

Student and helping reader discuss the book, of the students choosing. This continues throughout the exercise.
Student and helping reader agree upon a nonverbal signal (tap, etc.) to cue the helping reader to stop helping.
Student and helping reader read aloud together at the student's pace.
Helping reader praises correct reading.
If the student makes an error or pauses for 5 seconds, the helping reader says the correct word and they continue reading in tandem.
Student displays nonverbal signal
Helping reader praises student for signaling, then is silent while student reads alone.
Helping reader praises student for correct reading of difficult words, increasing span of correct reading, and self-correction..
Paired reading should be used with students who are struggling readers. Data may be gathered based on how many words the student misses or the length of a span of correct reading.

Data Driven:

Topping (1987) found that two-thirds of children were reported by their parents to be reading more: more widely, more enthusiasm, interest, enjoyment, understanding, and confidence after using paired reading. 71% increased reading accuracy, 72% increased their reading fluency, and 94% felt they were more competent readers.

Topping, K (1987). Paired reading: A powerful technique for parent use. The Reading Teacher, 40(7) 608-614

Home

According to a study published in Support for Learning, 50% of students reported a gain in mechanical reading level by more than two years in just six months of the program. Seven other students improved dramatically with four or five years of gain during the 18-month program.

MacDonald, P. (2010). Paired reading: a structured approach to raising attainment in literacy. Support for learning, 25(1), 15.