Reciprocal teaching (Palinscar and Brown, 1984) draws on four key thinking moves. In this tool, we break down the thinking moves the “teacher” actions to help you make reciprocal teaching a regular part of your instruction. In this document, you’ll find a step-by-step process for modeling this reciprocal teaching for your students, setting them up for success to learn with and from each other as readers. (From Shift 1 in Shifting the Balance; 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Upper Elementary Classroom.)
Deepen your literacy instruction with professional learning, classroom tools, and research-aligned resources trusted by teachers.
Professional learning that helps educators turn reading science into practical instruction they can use immediately.
Explore Online Classes
Make blending easier to teach and easier for students to understand with visual tools designed for decoding success.
Discover Blending Magic
Teach high-frequency words in a way that sticks using routines grounded in orthographic mapping.
See Heart Word SuccessLearn More
No results found.
Read More
No results found.

Blending Magic transforms simple word lists into purposeful routines that connect decoding with writing, vocabulary, and language comprehension—helping students become confident, connected readers and writers.