Choral reading involves students reading aloud together in unison and can build fluency, confidence, vocabulary, and enjoyment of literature. Different types of choral reading are described, including antiphonal, dialogue, cumulative, and impromptu readings. Guidelines are provided for selecting texts and implementing choral reading activities in the classroom.

1. CHORAL
READING

2. Title
Choral reading is reading aloud
in unison with a whole class or
group of students. It helps build
students' fluency, self-
confidence, vocabulary
knowledge, motivation, and
enjoyment of literature.
Because students are reading

3. Types of choral
reading
(adapted from The Fluent
Reader by Timothy Rasinski)

4. ANTIPHONAL
1. Divide the group into
groups and assign parts of
the text to each group.
2. Give students an
opportunity to practice how
they will read before
bringing them back
together to chorally read
together.

5. DIALOGUE
1. Select a text that contains
different speaking parts.
2. Assign the part of the
narrator to one group and
each character to other
groups.

6. CUMULATIVE CHORAL
READING
The number of students
reading gradually builds as
the text is read. An
individual or small group
reads the first line or section
of a passage, and then they
are joined by another group.

7. CUMULATIVE CHORAL
READING
By the end of the passage,
the whole group is reading.
(This can also be done in
reverse, starting with whole
group and ending with just
one person or group.)

8. IMPROMPTU CHORAL READING
As a text is read, students
join in or fade out as they
choose. Some students may
choose to highlight certain
words or sections of the text,
read every other line, or the
whole selection.

9. IMPROMPTU CHORAL READING
Students choose ahead of
time what section(s) of the
text they will read. (If no one
selects a section, someone
usually jumps in!)

10. ARRANGEMENTS

11. Echo Reading
The leader reads each line, the
group then repeats the line just
read.

12. Leader and Chorus
Reading
The leader reads the main part
of the poem, and the group
reads the refrain or chorus in
unison.

13. Small Group
Reading
The class divides into two or
more groups and each group
reads one part of the poem.

14. Cumulative
Reading
One student or group reads the
first line or stanza and then
another student/group joins in
as each line is read.

15. Why use choral reading?
• It can provide less skilled readers the
opportunity to practice and receive
support before being required to read on
their own.
• It provides a model for fluent reading as
students listen.
• It helps improve the ability to read sight
words.

16. How to use choral reading
1. Choose a book or passage that works
well for reading aloud as a group:
• patterned or predictable (for beginning
readers)
• not too long; and
• is at the independent reading level of
most students

17. How to use choral reading
2. Provide each student a copy of the text
so they may follow along. (Note: You may
wish to use an overhead projector or place
students at a computer monitor with the
text on the screen)

18. How to use choral reading
3. Read the passage or story aloud and
model fluent reading for the students.
4. Ask the students to use a marker or
finger to follow along with the text as they
read.

19. How to use choral reading
5. Reread the passage and have all
students in the group read the story or
passage aloud in unison.

20. How Choral Reading Can Foster
Fluency in Struggling Readers
• Choral reading provides support
for students who may ordinarily
feel self-conscious or nervous
about reading aloud in class.
• Choral reading may provide the
support necessary to encourage
struggling readers to take risks
and build their confidence.

21. Choosing Texts for Choral Reading
Almost any text can be read chorally.
Shorter texts with rhythm and
distinct parts often work best. Using
community texts can help build
school spirit, classroom community,
or civic consciousness.

22. ABOVE THE BRIGHT BLUE SKY
Albert Midlane
There's a Friend for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
A Friend who never changes
Whose love will never die;
Our earthly friends may fail us,
And change with changing years,
This Friend is always worthy
Of that dear name he bears.
There's a home for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare;
And everyone is happy,
Nor could be happier there.

23. ABOVE THE BRIGHT BLUE SKY
Albert Midlane
There's a Friend for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
A Friend who never changes
Whose love will never die;
Our earthly friends may fail us,
And change with changing years,
This Friend is always worthy
Of that dear name he bears.
There's a home for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare;
And everyone is happy,
Nor could be happier there.