Pairs Read

Students work as partners to read assigned text. The text can be anything on topic for the subject area. This strategy can be used in all subjects.

Instructions:

1. Assign students partners and select a reading.
2. Tell students that Partner A will read the first paragraph and then stop. Partner B will summarize the main ideas of the paragraph and ask questions to be sure both the coach and reader understood the paragraph.
3. Then, Partner B reads the next paragraph aloud. At the end of the paragraph, Partner A summarizes and asks questions.
4. Continue switching roles until the reading is completed.
5. Partners work together to create a summary of the entire reading.

Tip: Instruct students to read just loud enough for the partner to hear so that all partners will be able to listen carefully.

Look Fors for Successful Implementation: Students stop while reading to summarize and clarify. Teachers ensure that partners speak softly to each other so that all students can hear their partner.

Reference: Billmeyer, R. & Barton, M.L. (1998). Teaching Reading in the Content Areas: If Not Me, Then Who? Aurora, CO: McREL.

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