Get Running Record Journal

A running record captures both how well a student reads (the number of words they read correctly) and their reading behaviors (what they say and do as they read). At the start of the year, or when you start working with a student, a running record can help match the student with books that are right for them.

Reviewing the Running Record First, count up the number of errors. Take the number of words read correctly (WC), divide that by the total number of words in the book (TW), and then multiply that number by 100 (WC / TW x 100). That will give you the percent of total words read accurately.

It might take thirty seconds. We do recommend the child reads the whole book when the book is short enough. Technically 100 to 150 words provides a good sampling of the processing. It becomes difficult to discuss the text if the child hasn`t read all of it.

To take a Running Record, sit beside a child as he or she reads a selected portion of the text aloud in a natural and relaxed environment. It is necessary to select a time when you can hear the child read without interruptions, such as when children are engaged in quiet reading or on independent literacy activities.

Gathering information from a Running Record, which gives a reliable and valid assessment of text reading, and adding this information to other assessments enables a teacher to gain a richer and more comprehensive assessment of a student's reading ability.

A Running Record is an assessment tool which provides an insight into a student's reading as it is happening (Clay, 1993). A Running Record provides information on the following: a score of word reading accuracy. an analysis of a reader's errors and self-corrections.

What are Running Records? Running records are formative assessments used with children that allow you to see what strategic actions they are using during their oral reading. Running records also allow you to see error patterns which will inform your future teaching decisions.

To take a Running Record, sit beside a child as he or she reads a selected portion of the text aloud in a natural and relaxed environment. It is necessary to select a time when you can hear the child read without interruptions, such as when children are engaged in quiet reading or on independent literacy activities.

Select a Benchmark Passage or Benchmark Book (Levels aa-J) that approximates the student's reading level. ... With the Running Record form in hand, sit next to the student so that you can see the text and the student's finger and eye movements as she/he reads the text.