What is "echo reading" primarily used for?

Echo reading is primarily used for building fluency and confidence in reading. In this technique, a teacher or more proficient reader reads a passage aloud for a student to hear first. The student then repeats the reading, imitating the pacing, intonation, and expression of the model. This practice supports the development of reading fluency as it allows students to hear how fluent reading sounds, providing them with a clear auditory example.

By engaging in echo reading, students become more comfortable with the text and develop their own expressive reading skills. The repeated practice reinforces their reading abilities, allows for immediate feedback, and helps to instill a sense of achievement, enhancing their confidence in their reading capabilities. Overall, echo reading creates a supportive environment that encourages learners to practice and improve their fluency.