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Choral Reading

Liz Light

What is Choral Reading?

Choral Reading is reading aloud as a large group, either with the whole class
or reading group usually.
(Exmaple: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OVg8uov78I Starts at 3:40)
There are several different kinds of choral reading:
o Echo Reading- The teacher reads each line and has the group repeat it
o Leader/Chorus Reading- A leader reads the main part of the poem,
and the group reads the refrain in unison
o Small-Group Reading- Divide the class into two or more groups, and
each group reads aloud one part of the poem
o Cumulative Reading-One group or leader begins by reading the first
line or stanza, and then more groups join on each consecutive line for
a cumulative effect

How To Use Choral Reading:

First, Choose a book that works well for reading as a group


o Not too long
o Patterned or predictable
o At the independent reading level of most of the students
Give each student a copy of the text you will be reading.
Read the passage aloud as a model, and have the students follow along by
pointing to each word.
Re-read the passage, and have the students read along in unison.
Choral Reading can be used one-on-one, in small groups, or with the whole
class.
This technique can be used across subjects such as with science or social
studies readings as well.

Why Use Choral Reading?

It gives less skilled readers the opportunity to practice and receive praise
before being instructed to read on their own.
It provides a model for fluent reading as students listen.
It helps the students ability to read sight words.
It helps students to read more expressively.
After building fluency, this strategy helps students to better understand what
they are reading.
Another benefit is the shared experience of reading together and the building
of camaraderie with classmates, while less capable readers can join in
without fear of embarrassment.

Choral reading is also beneficial for English Language Learners to hear and
practice English.
Resource: http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/choral_reading

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