What is the approach to Paired Reading?

Paired Reading tells parents and other helpers how to read with their child. Having a specific positive technique avoids the frustration and negativity which often spoils reading at home. The approach enables readers to get through a great deal of reading material at a good pace, allowing focus on meaning. The helper supports the reader to access self-chosen text which would otherwise be beyond them. The approach probably works so well because the reader reads much more than usual, and does so with success and enjoyment.

The paired reading helper does not teach reading skills: this is at other times, and by a teacher. Paired Reading involves a different kind of reading practice from traditional “reading book” reading, and is not intended to replace it.

Please click here to read more on ‘The Paired Reading Technique” based on Topping 1992.