A year ago, I had the pleasure of speaking on the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast — the hosts of which have since released a very snazzy looking book. On this episode, I spoke about instructional routines for fluency. Since then I have discussed with hundreds of teachers about the power of paired fluency reading.

My fairly stripped back approach was developed when Shane Pearson introduced the PhOrMeS curriculum at Brandon Park Primary. (And I was lucky enough to borrow a special animation from Maths Fiend David Morkunas. This ‘beat the bomb’ style animation came from Morkunas’ maths review slides: see below).

Paired fluency reading involves two children practicing reading together over a 10-15 minute period. This routine aims to enhance reading fluency, expression, and to some extent comprehension. One at a time, students read aloud to a partner using a shared text. Typically, pairs consist of one slightly more proficient reader and one slightly less proficient reader. The activity can be conducted in various classroom settings and across different subjects.

The routine gives the benefit of practice for speed and accruacy, expression, and to some extent understanding of the text.

Download the Timed Paired Fluency Powerpoint - Automatic

Timing

You can run this routine for either 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes, when you are on a roll and have time up your sleeve, you can do an extension and let students do two rounds of this.

Procedure

1. Students set up for the session (1 Minute)

Pairs of students are revealed so they know who is partnered with whom (you can change this regularly). I recommend names on moveable cards or magnets so you can adjust based on who is away or whenever students improve their reading abilities (They may go up to the next ‘level’ of decodable reader for example).
Avoid arguments about where to sit by alternating which partner can choose where to sit.
Ensure students have sufficient reading material (enough of a passage, novel, or decodable), so there’s no faff to decide that to read next during reading time).
Ensure they know who will start first. I like to use left and right to make sure they learn these directions, but you could get a bit creative here.
1 min to do all of this may seem tight to begin with, but an investment in routine teaching and rehearsal will make this seamless.

2. Paired Fluency Reading (8-12 Minutes)

Pairs sit together, with one student reading aloud while the other listens.
Start the automatic timer on a Powerpoint or equivalent
- (Avoid manual timing, or you miss out on the bonus 10 mins in your day)
After one minute, a bell signals the change of roles. The listener becomes the reader, picking up where the other left off.
Incidental peer-to-peer support is provided, where the listener helps the reader with difficult words and offers feedback.

3. Check in and wrap up (1-2 Minutes):

Students take turns discussing what went well and any challenges faced during the session.
Encourage students to share brief, positive and constructive feedback with their partners.

Shane Pearson and Nathaniel Swain - Adapted from David Morkunas

Text selection and supports

For K-2 (Kindergarten to Grade 2)

Focus on decodable texts and simple picture books that reinforce phonics patterns students have learned. Gradually introduce slightly more complex texts as students' proficiency increases.
Be ready to assist students frequently, especially in the initial stages. Monitor closely to ensure students are on task and understanding the process.
A students should not start paired fluency reading until they have a handle on the kinds of words on the first few text levels, and how to blend words reliably.

For Grades 3-6

Text Selection: Use more authentic texts, including class texts, novels and passages related to other subjects and knowledge-rich units and interest-based texts. Consider the complexity of vocabulary and content.
Paired reading sessions can be more autonomous. Incorporate more challenging texts to develop comprehension and fluency simultaneously. Encourage students to engage in discussions about the text to deepen understanding.
See the Reading Reconsidered technique: Accountable Independent Reading

Giving you time for individual and Small Group Conferencing

When you have the routine working in your classroom, the BEST thing about the paired reading fluency is this: You have 10 minutes free to do what you need!

Paired reading is easily scalable for larger classes, engaging all students simultaneously, and allowing the teacher to facilitate and monitor multiple pairs effectively.

  How does it compare to other approaches?

Guided reading typically involves smaller groups, making it time-consuming and less efficient for larger classes. Models like Drop Everthing and Read (DEAR), while scalable, lack the structured interaction and support found in paired reading.

Here are the observed benefits of this routine, as it has been adopted by many forward thinking schools in the last five years.

Increased Reading Time: In paired reading, each student has more opportunities to read aloud within the allocated time, as the continuous role-switching ensures both students are actively engaged in reading and listening.
Peer Support and Collaboration: Paired reading encourages incidental peer-to-peer support, allowing students to help each other with difficult words and reading strategies.
Enhanced Engagement: The dynamic nature of role-switching in paired reading keeps students engaged, maintaining their interest and focus.
Immediate Feedback and Correction: In paired reading, immediate feedback from peers allows for real-time correction of mistakes, enhancing learning effectiveness.
Confidence Building: Paired reading builds confidence by providing a supportive environment where students read to a peer in a comfortable way.

Key things to do to set this up

Prepare Materials

Select appropriate texts for the session.
Ensure texts are engaging and suitable for the students’ reading abilities.

Model the Process

Demonstrate paired reading, highlighting effective reading strategies and feedback techniques.
Define the roles: one student reads while the other listens and jumps in to help where needed.
Show how to take turns using the 1 minute timer and support each other.

Monitor and support

Circulate the room to observe pairs and provide immediate assistance.
Teachers should actively monitor pairs especially initially.
Offer guidance on pronunciation, fluency, and expression as needed.
Ensure texts are engaging and suitable for the students’ reading abilities.

Provide Feedback

Give constructive feedback to students on their reading and listening skills.
Encourage students to reflect on their performance.

Track Progress

Use fluency assessments tools to monitor student progress.
Adjust pairings and materials based on observed needs and progress.

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By following this structured procedure and focusing on these key actions, you can build an effective and productive paired reading fluency session. This simple instructional routine can do wonders as you create more time for genuine, useful practice as well as initial instruction.

How To: Paired fluency reading