Held reading is a term used primarily in education and literacy instruction. It refers to a teaching strategy where a student reads aloud or silently while holding a conversation or discussion about the text being read. This technique aims to enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and engagement with the material.
During a held reading activity, the student and the teacher or peers may pause at specific points in the text to ask questions, share observations, make predictions, or clarify difficult concepts. This interactive process encourages active participation and allows for the exploration of various interpretations and perspectives.
Held reading can be implemented in various educational settings, such as classrooms, reading groups, or guided reading sessions. It provides students with an opportunity to develop important reading skills, including decoding, vocabulary acquisition, fluency, and comprehension. Additionally, held reading fosters communication and social skills by promoting dialogue and collaborative learning.
This teaching method is particularly beneficial for struggling readers, English language learners, and students with diverse learning needs. By offering additional support, guidance, and discussion opportunities, held reading helps scaffold the reading experience and creates a more inclusive learning environment.
In summary, held reading is an instructional practice that involves reading a text while engaging in conversation and discussion. It nurtures reader engagement, comprehension, critical thinking, and collaboration, making it a valuable tool for literacy instruction.
