choral reading (for ece)

CHORAL READING

Title

Choral reading is reading aloud in unison with a whole class or group of students. It helps build students' fluency, self-confidence, vocabulary knowledge, motivation, and enjoyment of literature. Because students are reading aloud together, students who may ordinarily feel self-conscious or nervous about reading aloud have built-in support.

Types of choral reading

(adapted from The Fluent Reader by Timothy

Rasinski)

1. Divide the group into groups and assign parts of the text to each group.

2. Give students an opportunity to practice how they will read before bringing them back together to chorally read together.

ANTIPHONAL

1. Select a text that contains different speaking parts.

2. Assign the part of the narrator to one group and each character to other groups.

DIALOGUE

The number of students reading gradually builds as the text is read. An individual or small group reads the first line or section of a passage, and then they are joined by another group.

CUMULATIVE CHORAL READING

By the end of the passage, the whole group is reading. (This can also be done in reverse, starting with whole group and ending with just one person or group.)

CUMULATIVE CHORAL READING

As a text is read, students join in or fade out as they choose. Some students may choose to highlight certain words or sections of the text, read every other line, or the whole selection.

IMPROMPTU CHORAL READING

Students choose ahead of time what section(s) of the text they will read. (If no one selects a section, someone usually jumps in!)

IMPROMPTU CHORAL READING

ARRANGEMENTS

Echo Reading

The leader reads each line, the group then repeats the line just

read.

  Leader and Chorus Reading

The leader reads the main part of the poem, and the group

reads the refrain or chorus in unison.

Small Group Reading

The class divides into two or more groups and each group reads one part of the poem.

Cumulative Reading

One student or group reads the first line or stanza and then

another student/group joins in as each line is read.

Why use choral reading?• It can provide less skilled readers the

opportunity to practice and receive support before being required to read on their own.

• It provides a model for fluent reading as students listen.

• It helps improve the ability to read sight words.

How to use choral reading

1. Choose a book or passage that works well for reading aloud as a group:

• patterned or predictable (for beginning readers)

• not too long; and• is at the independent reading level of

most students

How to use choral reading

2. Provide each student a copy of the text so they may follow along. (Note: You may wish to use an overhead projector or place students at a computer monitor with the text on the screen)

How to use choral reading

3. Read the passage or story aloud and model fluent reading for the students.

4. Ask the students to use a marker or finger to follow along with the text as they read.

How to use choral reading

5. Reread the passage and have all students in the group read the story or passage aloud in unison.

• Choral reading provides support for students who may ordinarily feel self-conscious or nervous about reading aloud in class.

• Choral reading may provide the support necessary to encourage struggling readers to take risks and build their confidence.

How Choral Reading Can Foster Fluency in Struggling Readers

Almost any text can be read chorally. Shorter texts with rhythm and distinct parts often work best. Using community texts can help build school spirit, classroom community, or civic consciousness.

Choosing Texts for Choral Reading

ABOVE THE BRIGHT BLUE SKYAlbert Midlane

There's a Friend for little childrenAbove the bright blue sky,

A Friend who never changesWhose love will never die;

Our earthly friends may fail us,And change with changing years,

This Friend is always worthyOf that dear name he bears.

There's a home for little childrenAbove the bright blue sky,

Where Jesus reigns in glory,A home of peace and joy;

No home on earth is like it,Nor can with it compare;And everyone is happy,

Nor could be happier there.

ABOVE THE BRIGHT BLUE SKYAlbert Midlane

There's a Friend for little childrenAbove the bright blue sky,

A Friend who never changesWhose love will never die;

Our earthly friends may fail us,And change with changing years,

This Friend is always worthyOf that dear name he bears.

There's a home for little childrenAbove the bright blue sky,

Where Jesus reigns in glory,A home of peace and joy;

No home on earth is like it,Nor can with it compare;And everyone is happy,

Nor could be happier there.