Using paired reading

Paired reading is a reading activity where a learner and a skilled reader read a text together. The learner takes over reading in sections where he or she feels confident.

Allowing learners to decide for themselves when to read without help gives them confidence to try without fear of failure.

Reading with someone to help them at first also encourages them to try reading materials that may be beyond their normal reading level.

1. Read along with the learner.
2. Adjust your speed so that you stay together.
3. Repeat each misread word until the learner reads it correctly.
4. Look for a prearranged signal to indicate the learner wants to read an easier section alone.
5. Stop reading along when the learner gives the signal
6. If the learner makes an error
   • say the word correctly, and
   • read along again until the learner signals you to stop.
7. Praise the learner frequently for correct reading.

• Borneman 1994
• Koskinen and Blum 1986
• Topping 1987

• Task module: Using paired reading
• In task module: Developing reading skills
• In task module: Developing literacy skills, by Martha A. Lane (contributor), Delle P. Matthews (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Glenys Waters (contributor), Anne Klaassens (editor), and Trudy K. Stewart (editor, contributor)
• In task module: Teaching people to read and write, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International