NEXT STEPSSM

This UURC intervention model is designed for struggling readers "stuck" between mid-1st and end 2nd grade levels and is delivered in 45 minute sessions no less than twice weekly. In addition to assisted reading at instructional level, Next StepsSM focuses on vowel pattern mastery for one syllable words through phonics and spelling work. It also ushers novice readers into the beginnings of fluency with repeated readings in a motivating, supportive format

COMPONENTS OF A NEXT STEPSSM TUTORING SESSION

Recommended twice per week - 45 minutes per session

  1. Word Bank (1 min)
    • Flash presentation of difficult high frequency words (e.g., through, thought, though).
       
  2. Assisted Reading of New Text on Instructional Level (25 mins)
    • Tutor introduces book with a short preview (build/activate background knowledge, point out difficult vocabulary, quick review of previous day's reading when appropriate).
       
    • Echo read (tutor models fluent reading, as student tracks under each word).
       
    • Student will solo read with assistance.
       
    • Tutor conducts a rate and accuracy check (100 words/cold read).
       
    • After rate and accuracy check, student continues to solo read with assistance.
       
    • FOCUS ON COMPREHENSION! Tutor frequently asks student to answer who-what-when-where-why type questions, to confirm prior predictions, to retell, and/or to summarize.
       
  3. Word Study (13 mins)
    • Tutor determines starting point (mixed short vowels or vowel patterns).
       
    • Tutor conducts word sort, using pre-determined anchor words. If child is ready, do word study check.
       
    • Once child shows some proficiency in random check, play Black Out Bingo, Shazam, Matrix, Poison Star, etc.
       
    • Tutor chooses 5 words from sort and conducts Spellcheck ("Say it..., Match it..., Check it").
       
    • Tutor leads student through sentence writing -- using scope and sequence for high frequency words.
       
  4. Repeated Reading (7 mins)
    • Student will re-read previously read text (warm read) on his/her instructional level.
       
    • Time for two minutes (two trials per session -- after four timings, text is retired).