Skip to content

What Is Next Steps℠?


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 Steps℠ 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.

Recommended twice per week - 45 minutes per session

Components:

  • Word Bank
    • Flash presentation of difficult high frequency words (e.g., through, thought, though)
  • Assisted Reading of New Text on Instructional Level
    • 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.
  • Word Study
    • 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.
  • Repeated Reading
    • 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).

    What are First &  EARLY Steps℠          What is Higher Steps℠   

Student reading with an Next Steps tutor

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: 7/21/25