Partner Reading

Partner Reading. There are many ways of structuring Partner Readings. Below are several examples:

Note: All Partner Reading activities below presume that students have heard the text read aloud by the teacher at least once.

Variation #1

“Newcomer Trio” (works well for fluency)

One lower-level English language learner (“newcomer”) is grouped together with two higher-level ELLs or native English speakers. English proficient student #1 reads a sentence aloud, finger following each word. Newcomer shadow reads aloud along with student #1. English proficient student #2 summarizes the first sentence/s then reads the next sentence aloud, finger following each word. Newcomer shadow reads aloud along with student #2. Cycle continues until the entire text/paragraph has been read.

Variation #2

Partner Reading for Vocabulary Practice

Note: This format assumes students were pre-taught key vocabulary.

Partner #1 reads aloud a sentence (e.g., for lower level students) or an entire paragraph (e.g., for higher level students).

Partner #2 then, trying to use the pre-taught vocabulary as much as possible, re-states the sentence or summarizes the paragraph trying not to look at the text. Partners switch.

Variation #3

Partner Reading for Comprehension

Partner #1 reads aloud one sentence.

Partner #2 summarizes then questions or comments about the content, language structure, or word from the sentence Partner #1 just read.

Partner #1 responds. Partners switch.

Variation #4

Partner Reading for Comprehension

Partner #1 reads aloud one sentence.

Partner #1 questions or comments (aloud) about the content, language structure, or word from the sentence he/she just read

Partner #2 summarizes then provides clarification or positive feedback. Partners switch.

Adapted from: Calderón, M. 2007. Teaching reading to English language learners, grades 6–12: Chapter 4: Teaching Reading Comprehension and Content, 54–55. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.