PAL Reading!

 The PAL reading program took off with a bang!  PAL reading allows students with lower reading levels to get assistance from their schoolmates that are at a higher level.  While learners at lower levels get the one-on-one support they need in a much less stressful environment, higher readers learn from teaching.  Not only is reading supported but relationships and bonds are made and a community is built. School might not seem as daunting to lower level learners when they know that someone is there for them to go to. 

The PAL reading program is easy to implement. First choose two classes and pair them up: year 1 and 3 or year 2 and 4 have worked well. If this isn’t plausible just divide your class into low and high learners and pair them up.  It is important to find books that are appropriate for the lower learners let the children choose the book they want to read. After students have been paired and have a book there are four easy steps to follow:

1)      Read together: the pair read at the same time this usually results in the lower learner listening or parroting.

2)      Read and help: the lower reads while the higher learner helps. It is important to make sure they are checking for understanding and not just getting them to parrot.

3)      Find the word: this is a good way to check for understanding have the higher learner get the lower one to identify random words in their book also get them to match pictures to  words.

4)     Spell the Word: this is optional but one the most children fell more confident in.

It is important to track what the students have read so have them fill in a chart or form on what they read. To help with motivation stickers can be given or certificates of achievement after so many books have been read additionally the group can create a book worm as a way to further build a connection.

Finally, don’t forget the most important ingredient HAVE FUN!