Paired Reading the Dr. Seuss Way!

It's Dr. Seuss Week at Brentwood School. It's a time when the children enjoy the rhyme and repitition of Seuss-style literature and his humorously bold and colorful artwork Most second graders have moved through the beginning stages of reading and are now working on reading smoothly and focusing on meaning. Books by Dr. Seuss can get you far when it comes to developing a smooth and fluent oral reading presentation. I'd like to recommend using Dr. Seuss books for 'paired reading' as a powerful motivator to boost your child's literacy growth.
"Paired Reading" is a practice strategy that helps children improve their reading skills. It combines two powerful techniques:
*the tutor and the child reading together and * the tutor letting the child read alone while providing encouragement and supportive coaching.
1.) Start out by agreeing on a set time each day to read together for about 5 to 15 minutes.
2.) Let the child choose the reading material.
3.) Use a starting signal where you will both read the text aloud.. "Together reading" means you will have to adjust your speed to meet the child's needs. The reading should still have some flow so it sounds natural.
4.) If the child hesitates or misses a word, give the child the
correct pronunciation and,if needed, the definition.
5.) Your child can tap you at anytime to signal that he/she wants to read independently. At this point you become a cheerleader, making lots of positive comments and giving help when needed.
6.) Have simple, relaxed conversations about what has been read.

If Dr. Seuss books are used with this type of program everyday for 12 weeks you will see noticeable results!

Paired Reading

Most second graders have moved through the beginning stages of
reading and are now working on reading smoothly and focusing on
meaning. I'd like to recommend 'paired reading' as a powerful
motivator to boost your child's literacy growth.

"Paired Reading" is a practice strategy that helps children improve
their reading skills. It combines two powerful techniques:
*the tutor and the child read aloud together
*the tutor lets the child read independently while providing
encouragement and supportive coaching.

1.) Start out by agreeing on a set time each day to read
together for about 10 to 15 minutes.

2.)Begin each session by reading an 'old favorite' followed by a new read.
(A trip to the local library will help you to stock up on
early reader chapter books that your child helps select.)

3.)Use a starting signal(i.e.-shoulder tap)
for"together reading",where you both read the text aloud.
You will have to adjust your speed while modeling natural flow.

4.) If your child hesitates or misses a word just give
the correct pronunciation and the definition,instead of sounding out.

5.) Your child may 'shoulder tap' you at anytime to signal the desire to read independently. A second tap would signal adding your voice in choral reading once again.As the tutor,your job is that of a cheerleader,making positive comments and offering support as needed.

6.) When finished,have a simple, relaxed conversation
about what has been read.Then add the newly enjoyed book to your
child's collection of old favorites.

If this type of program is used in your home everyday
for the next 6 weeks I think you will see awesome results!