At TKS, we’re always looking for fun and effective ways to help students become strong, confident readers in our Junior School. One of the many strategies we use is called choral reading — and it can make a real difference!
What is choral reading?
Choral reading is when a group of students reads a text aloud together, like a choir singing in unison. Imagine a classroom where every student’s voice comes together, reading the same words at the same time. It’s not just about reading; it’s about creating a shared experience where students can experience the rhythm and melody of text as a team. This group reading helps everyone feel included and makes reading much more enjoyable and less intimidating, especially for kids who might feel shy about reading alone.
Why do we use choral reading?
- It builds fluency and confidence: Hearing and speaking the words together helps students develop a natural flow and rhythm in their reading. They learn to read with expression and phrasing, which are key parts of becoming a fluent reader.
- It keeps everyone engaged: Because the whole group is reading together, no one feels put on the spot. Students who may be nervous about reading aloud can join in without pressure, practicing their skills in a supportive environment.
- It’s easy to do and very effective: Sometimes, we’ll read a short story, poem or a chapter from a class novel together. We might split the class into two groups, with each group taking turns reading sections aloud. This keeps the energy up and gives everyone a chance to participate.
As our Learning Design Leader and Literacy Expert, Catherine Mason, shared with us recently:
Research shows that choral reading, along with repeated reading, is one of the best ways to help students improve their reading fluency. Most importantly, it makes reading a positive and enjoyable experience for all learners.
We are excited to continue using strategies like choral reading to support Junior School reading journeys!
