How to Use Target Practice Readers in the Classroom

One of the key strengths of Target Practice Readers (TPRs) is their versatility. Whether you’re a teacher working in a classroom or a parent supporting your child’s learning at home, TPRs can be used in multiple ways to help children apply their phonics knowledge and build their reading skills.
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In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways that TPRs can be used in the classroom. From group guided reading to individual practice, TPRs offer a flexible approach to phonics instruction that can be tailored to suit the needs of any learning environment.

Group Guided Reading 
Group guided reading is one of the most popular ways to use TPRs in the classroom. In this setting, small groups of children (typically four to six) are guided by the teacher as they read the same text. The goal is to allow children to apply their phonics skills in a structured, supportive environment while working with peers at a similar reading level.
Guided reading sessions using TPRs are especially effective because the books are designed to align with the phonics progression of the Rocket Phonics teaching program. This means that the children will be practicing the same sounds they’ve been learning in their phonics lessons, reinforcing their knowledge and helping them apply it to real reading.
To make the most of group guided reading with TPRs:

• Choose books that match the phonics knowledge of the group.
• Encourage children to read aloud and support each other.
• Pause to discuss key points, difficult words, or unfamiliar sounds.
• Use the lesson plans and activity sheets that accompany each book to extend learning.

Shared Whole-Class Reading 
Shared reading takes the principles of group guided reading and applies them to a larger group, such as the whole class or half of the class. In shared reading, the teacher reads aloud while modeling reading strategies, and the children follow along with their own books.
This method is time-efficient and works well when additional teaching staff are not available to support smaller groups. It also eliminates the need for “filler” activities, keeping the entire class engaged in the same task.
To implement shared reading with TPRs:

• Ensure that each pair of students has a copy of the book.
• Model good reading behaviors, such as sounding out words and rereading sentences for fluency.
• Use pauses to ask comprehension questions or discuss the story.

Individual 1:1 Reading 
TPRs are also an excellent resource for 1:1 reading sessions, where teachers or teaching assistants work with individual students. This method allows for personalised attention and can be particularly effective for students who are struggling with specific sounds or blending.
In 1:1 reading sessions:

• Choose a TPR that matches the student’s phonics level.
• Encourage the child to read independently, offering support only when necessary.
• Use the opportunity to provide feedback and praise, reinforcing the child’s progress.

Using TPRs at Home 
Finally, TPRs can be sent home with children for individual practice. Parents can support their child’s reading development by listening to them read the books aloud, helping with difficult words, and asking questions about the story to build comprehension.
The flexibility of TPRs makes them a valuable tool for any classroom or home learning environment. Whether you’re using them for group reading, individual practice, or shared class sessions, TPRs offer structured phonics practice that can help children build the skills they need to become confident, capable readers.