Dyad Reading: No More Unsupported “Read with a Partner”

Steps for Dyad Reading

Step 1: Identify the assisted (less able) and the lead (more proficient) readers for the partnership.  This pairing should last for a specified, short period of time not to exceed four or five days.

Step 2: Identify the text to be read.  The reading pair share one book.  Teachers should encourage the reading of both fiction and nonfiction titles.  Whichever is selected, the lead reader must be able to read the text fluently.  Ideally, the text/topic will be something of high interest to both readers.  Finally, the text level can be at or above the assisted reader’s reading level.

Step 3: The lead reader reads out loud, setting an average pace and touching each word as it is read, while the assisted reader tries to read along.  The lead reader must avoid reading word-by-word.  The assisted reader must look at each word as it is read and attempt to match the pace of the lead reader.

Step 4: The pair read as many pages as possible during the allotted time, usually 10-15 minutes.