In the early 1980s, renowned literacy expert Marie Clay introduced the concept of running records as a method for documenting a child’s reading behavior during oral reading sessions. This innovative approach has since become a cornerstone of literacy education. By assessing a child’s strengths and weaknesses in real time, educators can develop targeted instructional strategies that foster a child’s growth into a proficient and confident reader.
Today, running records are widely recognized by primary teachers as a valuable tool not just for benchmarking student progress, but also for informing instructional practices. By systematically recording errors and successes in a child’s reading, teachers can better understand individual reading capabilities, tailoring their teaching methods to meet diverse needs.
The Process of Taking a Running Record
Although taking running records requires practice, it can be mastered with time and experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively conducting a running record:
Select an Appropriate Text: Choose a book that aligns with the child’s independent reading level, ensuring it is a text the child has not previously encountered. This unfamiliarity allows for a clearer assessment of the child’s current reading skills.
Preparation for Observation: Some educators prefer to have a copy of the text to mark their observations directly on, while others opt to take notes alongside the child as they read. Regardless of the method, provide a supportive environment by explaining to the child that you will be listening to their reading and making notes to understand their reading strengths and areas for improvement.
Conduct the Reading: As the child reads aloud, indicate correct words by making checkmarks on your recording sheet. For instance, if the child reads, “The father came home from work,” you would mark six checkmarks for the six words read accurately.
Manage the Pace: If the child reads too quickly, gently encourage them to slow down or pause, allowing you to catch up on your recording. This ensures that you capture accurate data regarding their reading behavior.
Analyzing the Running Record
After completing the reading session, you can analyze the data collected to understand the child’s reading performance better.
1. Calculating Reading Error Rate: To ascertain the student’s error rate, count the total number of words read and divide that by the total number of errors made during the reading. This will yield a ratio of correct words to errors. For example, if a child reads 100 words and makes 5 errors, the error rate would be 100/5, expressed as 20:1, indicating that for every 20 words read correctly, the child makes one error.
2. Determining Reading Accuracy Level: To determine the child’s accuracy rate—an essential aspect of evaluating the suitability of a text—you will follow this simple formula:
- Count the total number of words read.
- Subtract the total number of errors.
- Divide the result by the total words read, and then multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage.
A general guideline is that texts should fall within these accuracy ranges:
- 95-100%: This range indicates that the child can read the text independently. It is appropriate for enjoyable, independent reading experiences.
- 90-94%: This range suggests the text is at the child’s instructional level, suitable for guided reading sessions. While the text poses some challenges, it is not so difficult that the child becomes frustrated.
- Below 90%: If the accuracy level falls below this threshold, the text is considered too difficult for the child and should not be used in independent reading situations.
Running records serve as an invaluable resource in tailoring reading instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. By carefully selecting texts and accurately recording and analyzing reading behaviors, educators can craft instructional plans that provide effective support, ensuring that each child makes progress on their journey to becoming a skilled reader. As a reading specialist, embracing the use of running records not only empowers teachers but also significantly enhances students’ reading experiences and outcomes.
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