Paired Reading
Paired reading is an easy and enjoyable way of reading with your child that can improve their ability to understand and increase their confidence in reading. The following short videos from Queens University Belfast explain more about the
method. The final video, from the University of Dundee, shows that the approach is also successful with older readers.
1) What is Paired Reading? – YouTube
2) How to do Paired Reading – YouTube
3) How to Give Praise – YouTube
5) Child’s Perspective – YouTube
Paired Reading (Duolog Reading) – YouTube – This original video by Keith Topping demonstrates that paired reading can be used with any age group.
Below are written instructions for paired reading. We have also provided these instructions in a word document for you to download.
PAIRED READING – HOW TO DO IT
WHAT TO READ
Books, Magazines, Newspapers – from School, Library or Home
Students usually choose what interests them – but be careful they don’t get bored!
Check how hard books are when you choose them (5 finger test)
The 5 finger test – spread 5 fingers on the page, if one word is difficult to read the book may be too hard.
TIME and PLACE
At least 3 times each week for 15-20 minutes
Find the quietest place you can
Sit comfortably side by side – so you both can see the book easily
TALK
Talk together about the book (words and pictures)
Talk before you start, while you are reading, and at the end
Talk to make sure the student understands
MISTAKES
If the student says a word wrong, wait for them to put it right (up to 5 seconds)
If they don’t, say the word correctly, the student repeats it, then carry on reading together.
TUTOR PRAISE
Praise the student for good reading of hard words or longer sections
Praise the student for putting their own mistake right before you correct
Praise very often, in different words – and smile and sound as if you mean it!
READING TOGETHER
On hard books and hard bits, Read Together
Match the reading speed of the student
Point to words only if you really need to
READING ALONE
Agree on a signal for the student to read alone (tap, knock, nudge)
On the signal, praise the student and stop reading together
When the student makes a mistake . . .
If they put it right in 4-5 seconds, praise them
If not, read the word, the student repeats it, and then go back to reading together
The student signals again when they are ready to read alone, and so on . .