Boosting Confidence Through Paired Reading

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Paired reading is a collaborative approach where a more skilled reader partners with a less confident reader to read aloud together. It involves taking turns reading sections of a chosen text while providing support and guidance as needed.

I used this strategy when I worked with children who needed extra-curricular support in literacy and found it to be extremely beneficial in building a reluctant reader’s confidence and linguistic skills.

• Builds Confidence: Paired reading provides a supportive environment where reluctant readers can practice reading aloud with a partner's encouragement, boosting confidence in their reading abilities.

• Improves Comprehension: Discussing the text during paired reading sessions helps children understand the story better by clarifying meanings, discussing themes, and making connections to their own experiences.

• Enhances Fluency: Reading with a partner can improve fluency as children hear fluent reading modelled and practice reading aloud themselves, focusing on expression and pacing.

• Strengthens Bonding: Shared reading experiences strengthen the bond between parent and child, providing quality time together and fostering a positive relationship around learning.

• Promotes Love for Reading: Paired reading makes reading a social and enjoyable activity, helping children see reading as fun and rewarding rather than a chore. This positive association can cultivate a lifelong love for reading.

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Paired reading involves a collaborative approach where a more skilled reader, such as a parent or peer, supports a less confident reader through shared reading sessions. It aims to improve reading skills, boost confidence, and foster a love for reading in the learner.

So, how does it work?

• Choose Materials: Select a book or reading material that is appropriate for the less confident reader's age and interests.

• Pair Up: Partner the less confident reader with a more skilled reader, such as a parent, older sibling, or peer.

• Read Together: Begin reading aloud together. The more skilled reader can then take turns reading paragraphs or pages if needed. This will depend on the comfort level of the less confident reader. This is often a good way of introducing a reluctant reader to this new reading activity.

• Provide Support: Offer support and encouragement as needed. Help with difficult words, discuss the story, and ask questions to check your reluctant reader is understanding what they are reading.

• Discuss and Reflect: After reading, discuss the story, characters, and main ideas. Reflect on the reading experience and share thoughts and feelings about the text.

• Switch Roles (Optional): Optionally, switch roles where the less confident reader reads aloud to practice their skills, with the more skilled reader providing guidance and feedback.

• Enjoy the Experience: Make paired reading a positive and enjoyable experience by celebrating progress, sharing insights, and continuing to explore new reading materials together.

Call to Action

This week’s call to action is to embark on a journey of paired reading with your reluctant reader.

Choose a book together, find a comfortable reading spot, and take turns reading aloud. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and enjoy the bonding experience through the magic of storytelling.

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