Reading is usually taught using whole-group instruction. However, some students will need additional one-on-one help in intensive tutoring sessions. Using a variety of activities and materials, teachers can make these sessions effective for long-term benefit.
Skill-Specific
Once a teacher has identified students with learning difficulties, tutoring should begin immediately. Because sessions are usually 10-30 minutes, teachers should concentrate on one or two skills at a time. This helps keep the student focused and not feel overwhelmed, especially if they are deficient in many areas. For example, if a student is having trouble with phonological awareness, activities with sound production, initial sounds, and rhyming are most appropriate. If comprehension is the problem, the teacher can practice specific reading skills like predicting or summarizing with a short passage from a story.
Materials
Tutoring sessions will also be more effective if the teacher uses materials that are interesting and fun. Younger children can increase vocabulary and decoding skills with letter tiles and plastic, magnetic letters. Children of all ages will enjoy interactive games like Leap Pads or those on hundreds of websites (see Resources).
Peer Tutors
Although teachers and trained assistants should implement interventions, the benefits of peer tutoring cannot be overlooked. Students who have already mastered skills and are reading above grade level can be a great help to their classmates. They may be able to communicate procedure in an easier way. They can also give encouragement and motivation to those who are struggling. Peer tutoring needs to be carefully monitored and should take place within sight of an adult. These tutors need to be trained periodically by the teacher to be sure they are administering interventions correctly.
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