Good-bye Round Robin: 25 Effective Oral Reading Strategies

by Michael F. Opitz, Timothy V. Rasinski

The authors' aim is to show where oral reading fits in the reading program and share twenty-five of the best strategies for helping children learn to read aloud.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction, School

91 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1998 and quotes research that is now considered outdated, but the strategies and suggestions provided are still incredibly relevant. Opitz and Rasinski compile multiple oral reading strategies into one hands-on, anti-Round Robin Reading resource.

The book starts by explaining why Round Robin Reading is such an ineffective approach to reading instruction and ends with a chapter of frequently asked questions about oral reading—most of which deal with debunking teachers’ justifications for Round Robin Reading.

For each alternate strategy discussed, the authors provide a rationale for its use, related research, a description of how to implement the strategy, a teacher anecdote, and ideas for extension. There is also a chapter that outlines how to use oral reading to assess reading and inform instruction.

The strategies included in the book:
Think aloud
Induced imagery
Directed Listening Thinking Activity
Look for the Signals
Say it like a character
Rapid retrieval of information
Read to discover
Revised radio reading
Shared book experience
Choral reading
Mentor reading
Readers theater
Read around
Poetry Club
Read Aloud
Paired Reading
Recorded texts
Listen to children read
Fluency development lesson

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful strategies for teaching reading skills.

[Alison Eber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes a strong case for the inclusion of oral reading activities in a balanced literacy classroom. The format is easy to follow and practical for busy teachers. Activities are presented in lesson plan format with accompanying anecdotes from actual classrooms, recommendations for extensions and modifications, and suggested texts. A quick, engaging read that should be required for all elementary teachers.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The updated version of this book is better organized and full of how-to strategies ready to be taken into the classroom. The final chapter of frequently asked questions about oral reading would be very helpful for teachers and literacy specialists looking to justify the use of oral reading in the classroom.

[Trudy Wofsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that oral reading in the class, one-by-one round robin, doesn't work. There are much newer methods for helping students develop comprehension. Also, oral reading in class must be done for specific purposes - to develop comprehension; to share information; and to help a struggling reader achieve greater fluency.

[David Wartik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and really energized me for the coming school year. Lots of great, easy, and quick reading strategies that get you out of the familiar and into the new. Anyone who teaches reading (at any elementary grade level, and even middle school perhaps) should read this.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read. I read it in a day. I love the practical ideas used in this book. I will definitely begin to plan my Millionaire's Club to implement on my campus next year. I can't wait to see how many students sign up!

[Aliscia Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great alternative ideas to reading aloud. Very helpful for primary educators who teach small groups.

[Mrs. Schonour · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained a lot of great ideas for how to have students read out loud in class.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

there were some things I really liked about this book but there were some others that made it disappointing. Some/ many of the alternatives are just spinoffs of round robin.

[Mr Osowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It certainly has good ideas, just not for high school.