A Study On The Effect Of Peer Reading On The Reading Effects Of Older Children

Peer reading is the application of peer cooperative learning in reading.Studies in the past show that peer reading plays an positive role in improving reading skill of children,but its specific impact on reading effect remains to be explored.Peer is the main contactors for children in kindergarten life,peer plays an irreplaceable role compared with adult in children’s development.Based on the importance of developing reading skill for children and unique role of peer,the effect of peer reading for children at top grade in kindergarten from reading behaviors,comprehension of story and reading preference aspects through the combination of quantitative statistics and qualitative analysis.48 children at top grade in C kindergarten in Nanjing City are taken as example in this study.Interaction behaviors in reading are understood in the process of peer reading through observation method;Single factor design within-subjects are taken to compare the understanding level of story under peer reading and independent reading situations;Reading preference of children at top grade in kindergarten is known through interview.The results show that:(1)Behaviors of spoken language,non-spoken language and playing are conducted during the process of peer reading for children at top grade in kindergarten,which can promote the understanding of story and improve reading interest;(2)Compared with independent reading,the understanding of structure and content of story is better under peer reading situation for children at top grade in kindergarten.Peer reading helps to promote the understanding of plots and details in stories;(3)Children at top grade in kindergarten prefer peer reading.The main reason is “increase joy”,other reasons are "reduce loneliness","understand knowledge" and "interactively share".Based on results and discussion,some proposals are put forward for implementation of peer reading:(1)Creating the situation of peer reading and atmosphere of relaxed.(2)Paying more attention to characteristics of children and the development of peer relationship,making peer reading become children’s behaviors with voluntary.(3)Developing language activities by using peer resource.(4)Teachers should play a supporting role in peer reading.