Getting Ready to Teach - Part 5: How to Correct Student Errors

Last updated: February 17, 2026

Timely and purposeful error correction helps students build decoding skills and confidence. At Air Reading, we encourage the use of a consistent process to correct student reading errors in a way that is supportive and skill-building. 

How to correct student errors

The following steps could be implemented to correct student reading errors immediately during class:

1. Underline or circle the error using the annotation tool.
2. Prompt the student: “Read the sounds and blend.”
3. Support based on phase level:
   • Phases 0–4: Use the hand motion or keyword to remind them of a sound.
   • Phases 5–7: Break the word into syllables or morphemes to show its structure.
4. If needed, type the word or write it on the slide to help with decoding.
5. Ask the student to reread the word (or sentence, if time allows).
6. Praise the effort and maintain a positive tone.

Avoid giving students the word right away. Instead, guide them to decode it independently.

Why do we correct immediately?

• Prevent habit formation so that students do not internalize incorrect patterns.

• Promote accurate learning and reinforce correct pronunciation.

• Build student confidence and help them to recognize and fix mistakes.
  

What do we correct?

Correct all substitutions and mispronunciations immediately. Use annotation tools to draw attention without interrupting the student’s reading flow.

For a downloadable handout on this topic, check out: Correcting Errors: What, Why & How.

Video overview

Correcting errors is critical to helping students build confidence and independence. Follow along with Teacher Julie in the video below as she walks us through the best practices for correcting student errors.

Key recommendations:

• Underline the sound or word to bring the student's attention to the error. 
• If the student does not self-correct, prompt them to try again. (e.g., "Say the sounds and blend the word.")
• Prompt with hand motions or keywords if needed.
• Have students reread the word or sentence if time allows.
• Correct errors immediately to prevent habits.
• Be positive and encouraging.
• Use supportive language (e.g., “Good try—let’s try that again.”).
• Avoid negative phrasing.

For a more detailed discussion on correcting student errors, visit the following articles: 

• Student Error Corrections
• Up In The Air - Episode 1: Student Error Correction
• Scaffolding Error Corrections
• Some Helpful Tips for Error Corrections