Running record
Encyclopedia
A running record is one method of assessing a child's reading level by examining both accuracy and the types of errors made; it is most often utilized as part of a Reading Recovery
session.
This is useful for the child's teacher in two ways. First, it gives the teacher an indication of whether material currently being read is too easy or too difficult for the child. Second, it serves as an indicator of the areas where a child's reading can improve—for example, if a child frequently makes word substitutions that begin with the same letter as the printed word, the teacher will know to focus on getting the child to look beyond the first letter of a word. Running records may be done frequently or only occasionally to assess a child's reading progress.
Exactly how a running record is constructed varies by the specific purpose for which it will be used and the program for which it is used. However, there are some similarities across methods. First, the child reads the selected book
or passage aloud. The teacher
or tutor has a copy of the words, typed out on a different piece of paper or uses a blank sheet of paper and consults the text later. As the child reads, the adult makes a checkmark or other mark for each correctly read word
. However, if the child makes a mistake, the adult might circle the word, write down the type of error, or even write down what incorrect word was said. After the child is finished reading, the adult calculates the percentage of words read correctly and how often the child self-corrected an error. The adult will conduct a miscue analysis
sometimes during and always after the reading is completed. The analysis is always done in a Reading Recovery lesson to inform planning for the next lesson. This information can then be used as described above.
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is a school-based, short-term intervention designed for children aged five or six, who are the lowest literacy achievers after their first year of school. These children are often not able to read the simplest of books or even write their own name before the intervention...
session.
This is useful for the child's teacher in two ways. First, it gives the teacher an indication of whether material currently being read is too easy or too difficult for the child. Second, it serves as an indicator of the areas where a child's reading can improve—for example, if a child frequently makes word substitutions that begin with the same letter as the printed word, the teacher will know to focus on getting the child to look beyond the first letter of a word. Running records may be done frequently or only occasionally to assess a child's reading progress.
Exactly how a running record is constructed varies by the specific purpose for which it will be used and the program for which it is used. However, there are some similarities across methods. First, the child reads the selected book
Book
A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...
or passage aloud. The teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
or tutor has a copy of the words, typed out on a different piece of paper or uses a blank sheet of paper and consults the text later. As the child reads, the adult makes a checkmark or other mark for each correctly read word
Word
In language, a word is the smallest free form that may be uttered in isolation with semantic or pragmatic content . This contrasts with a morpheme, which is the smallest unit of meaning but will not necessarily stand on its own...
. However, if the child makes a mistake, the adult might circle the word, write down the type of error, or even write down what incorrect word was said. After the child is finished reading, the adult calculates the percentage of words read correctly and how often the child self-corrected an error. The adult will conduct a miscue analysis
Miscue analysis
Miscue analysis was originally developed by Ken Goodman for the purpose of understanding the reading process. It is a diagnostic tool that helps researchers/teachers gain insight into the reading process....
sometimes during and always after the reading is completed. The analysis is always done in a Reading Recovery lesson to inform planning for the next lesson. This information can then be used as described above.