Running Records P-9

What are Running Records?

A running record is an observational tool a teacher uses to get a snapshot of how a student processes text. Students usually read aloud a short piece of fiction or non-fiction text while the teacher makes notes about their literary processing.  

Running Records also allow teachers to check whether students are reading material that is an appropriate level of challenge for their reading level.

Running Records at the Primary to Grade 6 Level

When observing readers at emergent, early, and transitional reading developmental levels, it is important to understand the sources of information (meaning, structural, and visual) readers are using and neglecting in order to provide appropriate support to help students strengthen their literacy processing system.  Because these types of records often analyze each word read in the record, the scoring of the record can look slightly different than those used for readers at a more developed level.  

The  Running Record Tent P-6 is designed for teachers at the elementary level.  The "tent" features most of the information a teacher will need to complete a Running Record with a student.  The side that faces outward reminds students that the teacher is busy. The side that faces the teacher provides a full list of the codes teachers use when observing reading and includes examples. Inside the "tent" teachers will find information on how to score the Running Record, how to determine the text level and reading developmental level, and how to analyze these sources of information (MSV). The "tent" is designed as a one-stop-shop resource for teachers to use when administering a Running Record. The Running Record "tent" uses a standard coding system so that teachers can use a variety of Running Record resources. 

Running Records in Grades 7-9 (Active Young Readers program)

In 2005, The Province of Nova Scotia's Education Department rolled out the Active Young Readers program for Young Adolescents. This program is still widely used in Nova Scotia's schools to gather information about the reading levels of students in grades 7-9. Texts in this assessment resource are organized by reading developmental level (emergent, early, transitional, and fluent) as opposed to a numbered or leveled system. Readers in grades 7-9 are developing their skills to read for meaning and this type of modified Running Record focuses more on understanding a student's comprehension ability rather than the way they process each individual word. Because this Running Record has some differences in coding and scoring methods, a Running Record Tent 7-9 has been created to better support this work.  

Running Records - Practices that best Support Students

Taking a Running Record should happen as close to the start of the year as possible. Teachers can use this information to create guided reading groups and book clubs. Students should be assessed regularly throughout the year as readers constantly develop their skills. A final running record should end the year with information being forwarded to the next year's teacher. As soon as a reader reaches the fluent reading level, they should still engage in regular reading conferences with the teacher so the teacher can continue to help them grow as a reader and learner.