How To Do Running Records

A running record is a helpful tool when used correctly. If you aren’t sure how to do running records, then I’ll give you a brief version because why overcomplicate things, right?

Running Records Goal

The goal of a running record is to sti with a student and listen to them read. You will mark on your paper errors that the student made in hopes of finding their instructional level. This is the level that you will work with them on to guide their reading and push them to move through the levels.

Step #1

You will need a leveled text. To find their initial level you can start at level A and go as high as needed. This is sometimes referred to as a DRA. To find their initial level, you just do a series of running records until the book gets too difficult. However, we are going to focus on how to do a running record.

Step #2

You need a paper recording sheet of the text being read. You can take a record on a blank sheet of paper but it’s much easier when starting out to have your recording sheet.

Step #3

Have the student read the text. Place a check for every word read correctly. For every incorrect work, you will annotate above the word what was said. If they self-correct and say the right word, after all, you will write s/c.

Step #4

You will mark M, S, V based on what the student used when they made the error. This is big speculation in some cases so use your best judgment. M stands for meaning, S stands for syntax, and V stands for visual.

Meaning= bug for ant (using picture)
Syntax/Structure= It is my dog. It is a dog. (sounds correct based on conventions)
Visual = pay for play ( uses a word that is visually similar)

Step #5

Tally it up. There is a quick formula for finding their score. Correct words / total words =%.

You can quickly get the correct number of words by taking the total words and subtracting the errors. (You do not count self-corrects as an error.)

Below 89%- Frustrational
90-94%- Instructional
95-100% Independent

What do you use this for?

This will help guide on what level books to pull for your groups. The books should be on the instructional level. This is the sweet spot for learning. If you ever have a time where your students in the group are on varying levels… just pull a leveled book in the middle.