Echo+Reading

**Echo Reading**

**Content** Reading/reading comprehension This strategy can help students read unknown words. It can also help improve comprehension and listening skills.

**Grade Level** This technique is appropriate to use with students grade levels k-8. It is appropriate to use when the students are given text that is above their independent reading level.

**Curriculum Standards** For six grade, the following CSO's are used

RLA. O.6.1.15: increase the amount of independent reading to comprehend, analyze and evaluate literary text and informational text. RLA.O.6.3.1: exhibit effective oral communication skills (e.g., volume, rate, audience, etiquette, standard English)

21C.O.5-8.3.LS.1: Student manages emotions and behaviors, engages in collaborative work assignments requiring compromise, and demonstrates flexibility by assuming different roles and responsibilities
 * 21st Century Learning Skills **

**Description of Practices** The echo reading strategy is when a skilled reader reads a passage; then other reader/s repeat and “echo” what was previously read. In other words, a skill reader reads aloud and then the same behavior is modeled.

1. A skilled reader or teacher reads a short passage aloud.

2. The other student/s track the text (students may track with their fingers – or eyes).

3. The other student/s repeat the same short passage aloud.

4. The process is repeated until the entire passage is complete.

Echo reading gives all students exposure to the text, despite their independent reading level.

**Implementation Considerations** This strategy could be used in a variety of classrooms. It could be used as whole group, small group or in a one on one environment. It must be noted that this reading strategy maybe become a little noisy. It requires both the students and teachers to read aloud. Before starting the echo reading, I would remind students that participation is necessary; however they need to keep the voices low enough not to disturb other classrooms.

In a self-contained classroom, the teacher would be the skilled reader. The teacher would read the passage and the student would repeat the sentence back.

In a co-teaching classroom, there are various ways that echo reading could be done. Using the one teach-one observe co-teaching model, one teacher could act as the skilled reader and the other teacher could walk around the room listening and examining the students’ ability to track and recall the text.

If the classroom uses the alternative co-teaching model, the two teachers could each take groups of their own. The one teacher could echo read with a large group of students. Whereas, the other teacher could take a smaller group of students who may need additional enrichment in text tracking, repeating or comprehending the text.

If the teachers would like to use the parallel co-teaching model, the teachers could split the classroom in half and each use the echo reading strategy. Each teacher would have their own group of students to read and monitor.

Echo reading can be used a variety of different ways during stations. For instance, one could have an echo reading station. The stations could involve a teacher or run without the teacher. The students could each have a partner and one person would be the skilled reading. At the stations, the students could also take turns being the skilled reader. Other way to use echo reading during station time could be at a listening area. The students could each have head phones and they could listen to a recording and then repeat the passage.

Echo reading could also be implemented when using the team teaching method. One teacher could read the passage and the other teacher could read aloud with the students. In addition, the teachers could each take turns being the skilled reader between the short passages.

**Example** Here is an example of echo reading. In this particular example, the students are young. However, the same method of teaching can be used with older students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV1UyggVdHY

**Citation** LRosarioast, B. (1995). //Co- teaching in the classroom//. Retrieved from http://www.magonline.org/CoTeachingInTheClassroomREVMAGPresentation.pdf //Sil international//. (1999). Retrieved from http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/literacy/ReferenceMaterials/glossaryofliteracyterms/WhatIsEchoReading.htm