FFT Reciprocal Reading

About Reciprocal Reading

Reciprocal Reading is a structured, discussion-based approach designed to help pupils develop a deeper understanding of what they read. It focuses on teaching four key reading strategies—predict, clarify, question, and summarise—to support children in becoming more confident and independent readers.

This approach moves beyond decoding and places emphasis on comprehension. Pupils are encouraged to talk about texts, share their thoughts, and work together to make sense of what they’re reading. It helps children not only understand individual words and sentences, but also grasp overall meaning and reflect on the content.

How it works

Reciprocal Reading is typically delivered as a small-group intervention (4–8 pupils), led by a trained teacher or teaching assistant. Sessions are short and regular—around 20–30 minutes, twice a week—creating space for sustained, focused discussion without overwhelming the timetable. While it is often used as an intervention, the approach can also be adapted for whole-class teaching or integrated across the curriculum.

Who it helps

This method is particularly effective for Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils who can decode text but struggle with comprehension. These may be pupils who:

• Focus so much on decoding that they lose track of meaning
• Read quickly without processing what they’ve read
• Lack confidence with unfamiliar texts
• Have limited vocabulary and find it hard to understand or discuss what they read
• Enjoy reading but rarely question or reflect on meaning

What’s the impact?

Evidence shows that Reciprocal Reading can improve not only reading comprehension but overall reading ability. By giving children practical strategies and regular opportunities for discussion, it supports lasting improvement in how they understand and engage with texts.