The Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy

Part 7: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6

Episode Summary

Welcome to our podcast series, "High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6." Today, in Part 7, we discuss paired reading, a one-on-one method proven to help students needing tailored interventions. Previously, we covered reading workshops, book selection, and read-aloud sessions. Paired reading, developed by Keith Topping, involves an adult reading alongside a student to boost reading skills and confidence. This structured, supportive process is especially effective for decoding, fluency, and motivation. Regular sessions foster a love for reading and build overall confidence.

Episode Notes

Welcome back to our podcast series on "High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6." Today, we delve into paired reading, a one-on-one strategy with proven success, particularly in classrooms where students need tailored interventions.

To recap our journey so far: we've explored reading workshops, book selection strategies, and the importance of read-aloud sessions. Each strategy is designed to address specific needs in young readers, from fluency to comprehension, and vocabulary to text structure.

Now, let's focus on paired reading, a method developed by Keith Topping. This technique involves an adult—whether a teacher, classroom assistant, or even a parent—reading alongside a student. It's an intentional, structured process that requires consistency and patience but can significantly boost a child's reading skills and confidence.

The key to paired reading lies in its simplicity and the power of one-on-one attention. It's especially effective for students who struggle with decoding, fluency, or maintaining motivation. By reading together, students experience immediate support and correction, making the reading process less daunting and more enjoyable.

Here's how it works:

  1. Getting Started: The student selects a book of interest, ideally at an instructional level (around 95% readability). This ensures the text is challenging but not overwhelming. The adult shows interest in the book choice, setting a positive tone for the reading session.
  2. Reading Together: Both the adult and the student read aloud in unison. The adult matches the student's pace but aims to model fluent reading. If the student struggles with word-by-word reading, the adult nudges the pace slightly to encourage more fluid reading.
  3. Error Correction: If the student mispronounces a word or hesitates, the adult waits five seconds to allow the student to self-correct. If correction doesn’t occur, the adult provides the correct word, and the student repeats it. This immediate feedback helps reinforce correct reading patterns without breaking the flow.
  4. Taking Turns: The student signals when they feel ready to read alone. This can be a nudge, a tap, or a raised finger. The adult praises this initiative and stops reading aloud, allowing the student to continue independently. If the student encounters difficulty again, the process of joint reading and correction resumes.
  5. Praise and Feedback: Specific praise is crucial. Highlighting what the student did well—such as recognising a prefix or correctly decoding a challenging word—builds their confidence and skills. This positive reinforcement encourages persistence and resilience.

Paired reading sessions are recommended three times a week for about 10-15 minutes each. This regular practice can be managed within the classroom's independent reading time, ensuring that multiple students can benefit without significant disruption.

By integrating paired reading into your teaching repertoire, you're not just helping students decode words but also fostering a love for reading and building their overall confidence. It's a powerful strategy that, when used thoughtfully, can make a significant difference in the reading lives of struggling students.

READ OUR BLOG 

BOOKS

Topping, K. Paired Reading, Spelling and Writing: The Handbook for Teachers and Parents: Handbook for Parent and Peer Tutoring in Literacy
 

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTube

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Episode Transcription

Ep 109-115