Choral reading is an instructional strategy that helps improve reading fluency. It is effective at the intermediate level because it allows students to practice decoding and expressive reading. Choral reading can be conducted in a small or whole group setting. Children read a passage or a poem aloud, then repeat this procedure over a short period of time. Repeated oral readings encourage participation by children who are uncomfortable reading aloud by themselves.
Paired or partner reading is an instructional strategy conducted in small groups. Children might be grouped by ability, or the teacher could establish mixed ability groups so an advanced reader can help a peer who is struggling. Usually, one partner in each group reads a page, followed by the other partner reading the next page. Children can read chorally, or the teacher can alternate the method by calling on specific partnerships to read alone.Teachers monitor the partnerships to be sure each child is participating. She can also observe students who are having difficulty.
Guided reading is a direct instructional strategy in which the teacher facilitates a small group of students in reading and discussing a text. It should be conducted in groups of similar ability, so the teacher can tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student. A typical guided reading lesson includes oral reading, vocabulary introduction and instruction on the use of specific comprehension skills like predicting, summarizing and critical thinking.
Reader's Theater helps intermediate readers improve oral reading fluency skills especially prosody. This strategy does not require costumes or props. The emphasis lies on the script, which is a story written in play form. The teacher should use scripts that are easy to read so struggling readers can participate without difficulty. Reader's theater allows children to engage in a reading activity that is fun and different from the usual instruction.