Running records are a form of assessment used in education to track a student’s reading progress and comprehension skills. They involve the teacher closely observing a student’s reading behaviors and recording their responses to the text.

Running records can be done using any text, such as a book, passage, or even a student’s own writing. During a running record, the teacher follows along as the student reads aloud, noting any errors, omissions, substitutions, and self-corrections. The teacher also records other behavioral and emotional cues, such as the student’s tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language.

The purpose of running records is to gather information about a student’s reading level and identify areas where they may need additional support or instruction. By analyzing the errors made by the student, the teacher can determine the strategies being used and provide appropriate interventions.

Running records also help teachers assess a student’s comprehension skills. By asking the student questions and discussing the text, the teacher can determine if the student understands the meaning of the text, can make connections, and can apply reading strategies.

Once the running record is completed, the teacher can analyze the data and make informed decisions about the student’s reading instruction. This may include selecting appropriate reading materials, teaching specific reading strategies, or providing targeted intervention.

In conclusion, running records are a valuable tool for assessing and supporting a student’s reading development. They provide teachers with valuable information about a student’s reading behaviors, comprehension skills, and instructional needs. By using running records, teachers can make data-driven decisions to help students become successful readers.