Partner Reading...

PARTNER READING IN FIRST GRADE

Come On In...for my first blog entry where I would like to share with you a reading strategy that fosters a love for independent reading, it's called partner reading. In partner reading, students work together on reading fluency, word attack skills, reading comprehension, and those much needed social skills. Partner reading works best when a low, or average-level reader is paired with a high-level reader.  Before partner reading can begin, the teacher must establish and model partner reading guidelines. The guidelines include: (1) this is a time for reading (not playing) (2) students must sit knee to knee or shoulder to shoulder (3) students must alternate reading every page (4) high-level students must allow low-level students time to decode words (after 10 seconds, the high-level student can assist the low-level student with the word if needed). When students are finished reading, I post a question about the story on the board, then partners work together to answer the question. I use this time to walk around and listen in to their discussions, where I often praise those students who are actively engaged in story discussions. Students thrive on praise, and they love when I comment on their  answers. The benefits of partner reading are priceless, but the most valuable component is that it motivates children of all ages to read. Visit this link, from the ALA (American Library Association) to read an article on the benefits on partner reading. Well, I hope you enjoyed learning about a reading strategy that can be used in the classroom or a school library, and I can't wait to enter my next post about the highly motivational reading program, Accelerated Reader.  Ya'll come back now, you hear!