What is popcorn reading?

Popcorn reading is a classroom reading strategy where students take turns reading aloud from a text in a spontaneous order. Typically, one student reads a passage and then “pops” the reading to another student by calling out their name, who then continues the reading. This process continues until the reading assignment is completed.

The key features of popcorn reading are:

Unpredictable Turn-taking: Students do not know when they will be called upon to read, which encourages them to stay attentive.

Active Participation: All students are involved in the reading process, as they may be called on at any moment.

Reading Aloud Practice: Students practice reading aloud, which can improve their fluency, pronunciation, and confidence in speaking.

However, popcorn reading has received some criticism. Critics argue that it can create anxiety for students who are less confident or skilled readers, potentially leading to negative feelings about reading. Additionally, the focus on who will be called next can distract from comprehension of the text. Despite these concerns, some teachers find popcorn reading a useful tool for engaging students and keeping them alert during reading activities.