Issue 138: Jun 06, 2011 Connections Newsletter

Alternatives to Round Robin Reading

Jennifer Partrick
Jun 06, 2011

What are different ways that my students can read other than Round Robin reading?

The purpose of Round Robin reading is to give students an opportunity to read and for you to hear students read. We know that this is an outdated practice because students who are good readers cringe when they have to listen to poor readers, and poor readers suffer embarrassment when they have to read in front of their peers. Rather than continue using this practice, use the following suggestions when students read, as they all meet the same goals as Round Robin reading.

Partner Reading: students read with a partner. Give students a purpose for reading to make sure that they understand what they read. They look for specific information or use details and clues in the passage to make plausible predictions as they read. Students can take  turns to read, or they can read silently and discuss what they read at the end of the designated pages.

Whisper Reading: students whisper as they read. Students can whisper as they read in order for you to hear them read. They could also read silently and then when you tap their book, or some other signal,  the students whisper read.

Choral Reading: students read together. Use this practice to help students who are reading at a slow rate. When they have to read with others, it forces them to keep up with the others.

Echo Reading: model and students echo how you read. Use this practice to model how to read. Model phrasing, intonation, how to read using different punctuation, using the voice for effect, and for any area of need.  Model how to read and the students practice reading like you modeled.

Independent Reading: students read independently. Give students a purpose for reading and end the reading time with a discussion.

These are different ways that you can have students read that are much more beneficial than Round Robin reading. These practices can be used during whole group instruction or small group instruction.

How can students read to ensure maximum participation and enjoyment?