Taking a Running Record

Running records are taken most often at the earlier stages of reading. Taking a running record takes practice. Before attempting a running record, read the procedural steps below, then go to the section on Marking a Running Record Form.

• Select a Benchmark Passage or Benchmark Book (Levels aa-J) that approximates the student's reading level. Explain that she/he will read out loud as you observe and record her/his reading skills.
• 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.
• As the student reads, mark each word on the running record form by using the appropriate Running Record Symbols and Marking Conventions shown below. Place a checkmark above each word that is read correctly.
• If the student reads incorrectly, record above the word what the student reads.
• If the student is reading too fast for you to record the running record, ask her/him to pause until you catch up.
• Be sure to pay attention to the reader's behavior. Is the student using meaning (M), structural (S), and visual (V) cues to read words and gather meaning?
• Intervene as little as possible while the student is reading.
• If the student is stuck and unable to continue, wait 5 to 10 seconds, then tell her/him the word. If the student seems confused, provide an explanation to clear up the confusion and say, "Try again."