Don’t let the name frighten you. This is a very easy and effective method.
This is a way for the learner to read along. The learner will read along out loud as you read aloud. It can help the learner who is frustrated because he reads slowly, decoding word by word, and so loses track of the meaning.
Choose a reading selection that is at the learner’s independent reading level, that is, something easy enough for him to read on his own. Material that is a little harder can be used later.
Have the learner hold the book, while you sit close to him and a little behind so you can read along.
Read aloud from the book, at a normal speed, as you move your index finger under the line of print as you read. The learner reads along with you, trying to keep up.
If the learner hesitates a bit, keep on going and let him catch up. If he stops completely, stop and rest for a moment and then continue. If he is extremely frustrated, stop and try again with easier material another day.
About 10 minutes of this practice is enough for one sitting. The goal is simply to give the learner a chance to read with better fluency.
Do not try to correct errors. Do not ask comprehension questions. You may tell the learner a word if he asks a direct question about it when you have finished reading.
Do not interrupt the flow to discuss the content or reading errors during the actual reading. Save any instruction for after you have finished reading orally.
If the learner is reading very well, you may use slightly harder reading material next time.
The effectiveness of this technique increases with frequency. It is better to do it for 10 minutes a day, every day, than for an hour, once a week.
Like some of the other reading techniques, its success is based on the number of “channels” used to feed the information into the brain.
Red Deer Adult Literacy Program tutor handbook. (n.d.). Red Deer, Alberta: Red Deer Public Library. Used with permission.
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