Rhythm Walks Nancy K Hahn nkhahn@comcast.net October 2008

What is a Rhythm Walk? A group activity using student-created materials to practice fluent reading. Group oral reading directing attention to reading rate, punctuation, and emotional content of text. Adapted for middle school students from Jodi Peebles’ Rhythm Walks original design for elementary students. Peebles, J. (2007, March). Teaching tips incorporating movement with fluency instruction: A motivation for struggling readers. Reading Teacher

How is a Rhythm Walk created? Student groups use a short section of text (about 40 words for middle-schoolers) and a l-o-o-o-o-ng piece of paper.

Next, students write text on paper in a form to be walked on. ‘Once upon a time’ would be written: time a upon Once

Students practice ‘walking out’ the text. Groups decide whether to walk in succession or together or a combination. Groups present their Rhythm Walk to the class.

Student Reaction Students were unsure whether the activity increases their fluency; but they were sure they enjoyed making the walk, creating, and practicing their presentations.

The focus on and rereading of the text are directed toward building fluency, but the rich conversations about the text also deepen understanding and connection to the text.