Echo Reading

Echo reading is an activity where a skilled reader reads a text, a sentence at a time, as the learner tracks. To track is to follow along, pointing to the words of a passage as it is being read. Tracking may be done with a finger or with a pointer. The learner then echoes or imitates the skilled reader. It is also known as imitative reading or modeled reading.

Echoing a skilled reader helps learners gain confidence in reading aloud, learn sight words, read material that might be too difficult for them to read alone, and
practice proper phrasing and expression.

Echo reading is especially useful for helping learners practice texts that they need to read out loud, such as reports or stories in front of a class, or Scriptures in church.

Here are the steps that a skilled reader should follow to use echo reading:

Read a sentence or phrase to the learner.
Read with fluency and expression.
Track while reading.
Have the learner read the same section after you finish.

Some alternatives ways to use echo reading:

Have the learner and teacher alternate sections.
Make a tape of what the skilled reader reads and leave blank spaces for the learner to repeat the utterances. Have the learner repeat the tape utterance in the time provided.