Read to Someone–Coaching or Time?
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The first things I noticed when I popped into Olivia and Jaelynn's first-grade reading partnership were how well they sat elbow to elbow, knee to knee, and how they gave their complete attention to their partner, used voices that were at a perfect level, and had books that were a good fit. The next thing that caught my attention was Jaelynn's well-intentioned helpfulness every time Olivia got stuck. Poor Olivia didn't stand a chance to figure words out on her own with Jaelynn's speedy provisions.
Things got better after I introduced them to a strategy that would give Olivia the gift of time.
If you aren't familiar with the Coaching or Time technique, here is how it works:
- When a partner gets stuck on a word, their friend gives them three seconds. These don't have to be actual seconds, just a silent slow count in their head (many of our younger students keep track on their fingers).
- While counting, the partner should be thinking of a strategy that might help (Chunk letters, Flip the sound, Use the picture for a clue, and so on).
- After the silent count, the partner says, "Do you want coaching or time?" If the reader says "time" they can have more time to figure out the word. If they say "coaching," the coach supplies the strategy they prepared.
Additional tips:
- Partners often initially ask for time and change their mind if they can't get the word. Coaches need to be ready.
- If a coach offers two strategies, but the word still isn't read correctly, the coach can provide the correct word. The reader will reread the sentence correctly.
- Teachers and students decide what to do in the event neither partner knows the word (use a sticky note, use a dictionary, ask the teacher, or make a best guess and continue).
This gives the coach an important job while they are being patient. They often refer to the accuracy strategies under the CAFE Menu to determine which one will be the best match for the troublesome word. By supplying a strategy instead of the actual word, they provide a truly valuable support role during Read to Someone.
