Echo reading is a guided reading strategy designed to help students develop fluent reading skills by modelling all three components of fluent reading:

• Accuracy: The ability to recognise and read words correctly without making errors.

• Rate: Reading at an appropriate speed—neither too fast nor too slow—allowing for smooth and effortless reading.

• Prosody (Expression): Reading with natural rhythm, proper intonation, and phrasing, which conveys understanding of the text's meaning and tone.

As a form of assisted reading, Echo Reading enables students to understand print concepts and build confidence in their reading abilities. With these components in mind, we have implemented Echo Reading at Rowdown Primary to ensure that all students develop these essential skills in a purposeful and systematic manner.

At Rowdown Primary, we have incorporated the Echo Reading strategy with our reading comprehension programme for pupils in Key stage 2 and those in Key stage 1 who have completed the phonics programme. Our reading sessions follow a structured 5-day lesson plan:

• Day 1–4: Students learn to read the text fluently, explore new vocabulary, answer comprehension questions, and prepare for a whole-class performance.

• Day 5: Students independently read a similar text and apply the comprehension skills taught during whole-class reading. They then self-assess their answers using a purple pen, promoting reflection and self-correction.

We use high-quality, age-appropriate, engaging and interesting texts from a variety of genres, covering a wide range of topics. These texts are carefully selected for each year group to improve students' general knowledge, foster a love for reading and make meaningful cross-curricular links.

To accommodate the diverse needs of all children, teachers adapt texts using tools such as Widget; a software that simplifies text using symbols and larger print which ensures all students can access and fully participate in the activities.

This strategy not only enhances students’ ability to read fluently and comprehend texts effectively but also fosters independence and confidence. By equipping children with these essential tools, we empower them to become proficient and self-assured readers.