If you choose to have students read out loud when they are partner reading, there are several options for them to choose from.  You may even want to create a poster with these options so students can choose different ones each time.

Whisper Reading - Each student in the group whispers the passages independently as the teacher moves to listen to and monitor each child.

Choral Reading - Read together, side by side, the book placed between the partners.

Echo Reading - One partner reads a line. The other partner repeats the line.

Expressive Reading - One partner reads a chunk. The other reads the chunk with expression.

Part Reading - One partner reads the characters' parts in voices. The other partner reads the narrator's parts.

Taking Turns - One partner reads a sentence, paragraph or page. The other reads the next sentence, paragraph or page.

Rehearsal Reading - The teacher assigns an individual page or part to each child. Each child in the group (of 4-6) takes time to practice that reading independently - suggested 3 times - while teacher works with other children. The student must try using known strategies first and then ask the teacher. The idea is to come back to group and read the part fluently - even names. When each person reads his/her part, the whole story or article is read aloud expressively and each reader feels successful.

Silent Reading - Partners read silently, sitting near one another so that they can ask each other for help when they need it.

To motivate students with partner reading, have a section of your classroom library feature 'double book' sets, or two copies of the same book.  Create folders that contain activities and discussion questions for each set of double books so students have a starting point with their partner discussion. 

Buddy Reading Checklist for Students