60-Second Strategy: Waterfall Reading

One challenge many elementary teachers face is helping their class build reading fluency while creating an environment where students feel comfortable and confident reading aloud. Every Wednesday, teacher Samantha DiCicco does a choral reading activity called Waterfall Reading with a small group of fifth grade students at Clinton Valley Elementary School, to give them more opportunities to practice their pacing as they read aloud—without the pressure of being the only voice in the room.

The routine begins with DiCicco reading a passage while moving around the classroom. As she reads, she taps individual students, inviting them to join her. One by one, more voices chime in, until the whole group is reading in unison. DiCicco reads at a brisk pace to encourage students to keep up and stay engaged.

As students read, DiCicco circluates and listens to them in real time. This gives her an opportunity to informally assess their fluency and notice who is keeping pace and who may need additional support. At the same time, students are getting repeated practice without having to stop and wait for their turn.

The strategy offers another important benefit: It gives students a low-pressure way to practice reading aloud. Rather than having to read in front of the entire class on their own, students can ease into the experience alongside their peers, as the choral reading activity unfolds. “Waterfall Reading helps build confidence,” DiCicco says. “It allows them to slowly start to read out loud without feeling like they’re the only person in the room.”

Over time, that experience can change how students feel about reading aloud. What may initially be intimidating becomes a familiar part of the classroom routine. Students get more comfortable using their voices, stretching their pace, and reading alongside their classmates. For DiCicco, that confidence is especially meaningful for students who feel vulnerable when reading aloud on their own.

For more research-backed strategies for teaching reading, check out Sarah Gonser’s article for Edutopia, “4 Reading Strategies to Retire This Year (Plus 6 to Try Out!).”