Skip to content

Paired Reading

   GLOUCESTERSHIRE EPS: Paired Reading

Paired Reading is an evidence-based strategy designed to develop reading confidence and independence in children. It is a form of supported oral reading which enables children to access texts of appropriate challenge.

This technique involves a skilled reader (teaching staff, parent or child) supporting a developing reader.  It promotes enjoyment through pace and fluency by not focussing on mistakes and providing encouragement.

It is an easy method that can be practised both at home and at school, providing a consistent approach to learning for a child.

     

      How to do Paired Reading   

    • Choose a suitable text with the child. This can be a story book, non-fiction, a website, comic or leaflet and should be something that they want to read to foster enjoyment.

    • Sitting side-by-side, discuss the text together to predict what it might be about.

    • Agree on a non-verbal signal (e.g. tap or knock) for when the child is ready to read alone.

    • Begin to read aloud together with the child, with them in control of turning the pages, following the text with their finger and setting the pace.

    • When the child is ready, they use the agreed non-verbal signal to start reading alone. You should stop reading and offer frequent praise and encouragement.

    • If the child stalls or errors are made, allow 2-4 seconds for them to self-correct. If needed, read the whole word and the child repeats it. Do not sound out or break down the word.

    • Return to reading together until the child signals readiness to read alone again.

    • After reading, allow time to discuss the text and ask questions.

Three Paired Reading sessions a week for at least six weeks will allow children to build fluency with the technique and time to show improvements. Sessions as short as ten minutes can be effective in raising reading attainment.

New for 2025-2026: Paired Reading training package

See below, for our leaflet and video about our Paired Reading training package.

Find out how Gloucestershire EPS can help you introduce and embed Paired Reading in your school.

Click here for our short example Video 

(Opens You Tube in a new window)

 

Training package information leaflet. 

               

For best printing results, select ‘actual size’ and ‘flip on the short side’ options, on your printer settings.

Have you found our guide and video useful?  If so, we'd love to hear more from you.

          Email us at :  epsupport@gloucestershire.gov.uk  

   Gloucestershire EPS