Using ‘I Do, We Do, You Do’ to Teach Reading With Expression

This gradual release of responsibility routine helps students hear what fluent, expressive reading sounds like, practice with support, and then read with expression on their own. Learning to read fluently goes well beyond sounding out words correctly. Young readers need to hear what reading with expression sounds like, get plenty of practice reading aloud with scaffolding, and gradually build confidence to become expressive independent readers. At Clinton Valley Elementary School in Mount Clemens, Michigan, first-grade teacher Rebecca Piotrowski uses the tried-and-true gradual release of responsibility model commonly known as “I Do, We Do, You Do” to help students build the fluency they need to become confident readers. For more strategies on reading instruction, visit: https://www.edutopia.org/topic/literacy/ Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: https://edut.to/3wEVHUh Follow us here: Official Website: https://edutopia.org  YouTube:    / edutopia   Facebook:   / edutopia   Instagram:   / edutopia   BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/edutopia.org #literacy #teachingstrategies #ela © 2026 George Lucas Educational Foundation