An effective and evidence-based method that can significantly improve your child's reading abilities is repeated reading. Reading proficiency is a vital skill that sets the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Repeated reading, a simple yet powerful technique, has been proven to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. Let's delve into why repeated reading is such a beneficial practice for your child.
Research consistently supports the benefits of repeated reading. By engaging in repeated reading sessions, students become more familiar with the text, leading to increased fluency and automaticity. Repetition allows them to internalise vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammatical patterns, thereby enhancing comprehension and meaning-making. Furthermore, the practice helps students build confidence in their reading abilities, fostering a positive attitude towards reading and a love for literature.
At Toowoomba Grammar School, we recognise the transformative impact of repeated reading on our students' reading abilities. Our dedicated teachers incorporate repeated reading sessions into their literacy blocks to provide regular opportunities for students to practice reading aloud. By re-reading texts multiple times, our students develop a deeper understanding of the material, refine their pronunciation and intonation, and gain a sense of ownership over the text. This approach not only improves their reading skills but also instils a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
To make repeated reading even more effective, it is essential to select texts that match each student’s reading level. We do this by utilising decodable readers when students are learning to read. This ensures that they can engage with the material comfortably while still being appropriately challenged. Gradually increasing the difficulty level of the texts over time allows for continuous growth and progress. Additionally, incorporating comprehension activities, such as discussing the text or answering questions, helps deepen understanding and critical thinking skills.
Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 cohorts incorporate repeated reading as part of homework each week. During this time, encourage reading aloud, paying attention to expression, intonation, and pace. Celebrate their progress and provide positive feedback to nurture their confidence. By making repeated reading a regular practice, you are empowering your son to become a proficient, confident, and lifelong reader.
We are committed to supporting each and every student’s reading journey and are always available to provide guidance and resources. Together, let's unlock the joy of reading and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.
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