Tutor Tips… Duet Reading

(Excerpt from Teaching Adults: A Literacy Resource Book)

Purpose: The purpose of Duet reading is to allow learners to practice fluent reading without putting the learner on the spot.

Duet reading also helps the new reader learn to:

• Pay attention to punctuation marks
• Develop good eye movement in order to keep the pace
• Read words in natural phrases
• Increase the number of sight words
• Read with expression
• Read for enjoyment

How it’s Done:

• Choose something a little too hard for the learner. Help the learner select something that is somewhat above his or her current independent reading level.
• Sit next to the learner and read aloud together from the same selection. Read at normal speed, using expression and observing punctuation. The learner reads along, trying to keep up with you.
• Use your finger. Move your finger beneath the line as you read to help the learner keep up.
• Keep going. Continue to read at a normal rate even if the learner hesitates or falls behind. Stop if the learner stops reading completely.
• Don’t ask questions. Do not stop to explain the meaning of a word unless the learner asks.
• Decide if the reading material is too hard or too easy. If the learner keeps up easily, select more challenging material. If the material seems too difficult, use something that may be easier because it is written more simply or because the learner knows more about the subject.

Tutor Reporting

Monthly reporting is a crucial, though sometimes neglected, aspect of tutoring! The monthly reports provide a record for PLKS staff to refer to, provide a history for future tutors and allow staff to assist you in your work. Tutor reports are due by the 20th of each month - if you wish to submit them by email please let Janet know! Thanks!

New Resources

The Contemporary Reader
Volumes 1-3 with 6 books in each volume. CDs and audiocassettes included that can be used in conjuction with each volume. Each book offers eight to ten non-fiction readings with low-level readibility and appealing, four-colour design.

Goodman’s Five-Star Stories and Five-Star Activity Books.
This series consists of sixteen books with stories written by time-honoured authors as well as present-day writers. Each book focuses on developing skills in reading comprehension, mechanics, writing and study skills practice.