What type of reading model is beneficial for improving prosody?

The choice of paired or choral reading as the beneficial model for improving prosody is based on the collaborative and interactive nature of these approaches. Prosody refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech, which are essential components of fluent reading and comprehension.

In paired reading, students read together, allowing them to model expressive reading for each other. This promotes the natural uptake of phrasing and expression through observation and imitation, which are critical for developing prosody. Likewise, in choral reading, a group reads the same text in unison, which encourages students to focus on pitching their voices in harmony, emphasizing cadence and expression. Through these methods, learners practice and reinforce their understanding of how to convey meaning through appropriate stress and intonation, ultimately enhancing their reading fluency.

The other options do not provide the same level of engagement or feedback necessary for developing prosody. Independent silent reading lacks the vocal practice and collaborative feedback that are crucial for refining expressive reading. Reading aloud solely to a teacher may limit the benefits of peer modeling and lead to a less dynamic learning environment. Rushing through texts, conversely, disrupts the natural flow needed to cultivate prosody since it focuses on speed rather than the quality of oral reading. Thus