Help struggling readers and English-language learners develop a better sense of the “lilt” of the English language by having students read catchy poems orally as a group with your guidance. Consider the poetry of wonderful poets such as Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein to name just a few. Find poems that have a good sense of rhythm and that are fun to recite orally.

For readers who are still reading in a “word by word” halting manner, demonstrate taking appropriate phrasing patterns by a modeling an appropriate “chunk” to read as a group. Students should then “echo” your reading also emphasizing how the words fit together as a group. Practice the poem several times until students can read along with you chorally with the same expression and phrasing. For interest and fun, vary having different groups read sections or stanzas. Introduce new poems daily but allow students to also “bring back” favorites to read again and again that they especially enjoy.