The Neurological Impress Method

/

Table of Contents

What Is The Neurological Impress Method?

The Neurological Impress Method (NIM) is a reading fluency strategy created by R.G. Heckelman. This strategy combines repeated reading, paired reading, modeling, and is not intimidating to readers.

NIM is backed by research as an effective fluency strategy. In 2005, researchers tested the NIM method in a group of struggling readers between third and sixth grade. At the end of the study, they found improvements in both fluency and comprehension. Researchers adjusted the name to Neurological Impress Method Plus after they added a comprehension piece to the original NIM strategy.

NIM Guidelines

Reading aloud can be intimidating to readers. The Neurological Impress Method is a great strategy because it allows readers to ease into reading independently. Make sure to follow the two guidelines below to get the most out of the NIM strategy.  

Be consistent: NIM is intended to be worked through consistently. Ideally, you would do this with your child 10 minutes per day, 4-5 days a week. 

No correcting: The goal of NIM is to read, not correct. Just keeping pushing through any errors your reader makes.

parent child reading together

NIM Step By Step

1. Choose a text:

The text can be a book or a passage and should be one level above your child’s independent reading level. If you are unsure of their reading level, it is best to start out too easy and get progressively more difficult. Click here to visit a free resource for fluency passages.

2. Position yourself: 

The NIM method requires you sit beside and slightly behind your child. This ensures that you are reading clearly into their ear without obstructions. You should also sit on the side of their dominant hand. For example, if your child is left-handed, you would sit on their left side.

3. Finger tracking:

An important element to this method is the use of finger tracking. The parent should slide their finger across the page as they read each word. Their child’s finger should rest on top of the parent’s finger so they are both tracking together.

4. Read aloud together:

Make sure you are reading slightly faster than your child. The goal is for you to model fluent reading that your child will follow. This includes setting the pace and reading with expression. You are the driver of the text during the first few times of reading.

5. Transition control:

Gradually transition control to your child as they become more comfortable with the text. Lower your volume and allow them to track the passage so your child is now setting the pace and becoming the driver. 

6. Comprehension check:

Ask your child about the text. Can they retell you what the text was about? What did they find was the most interesting part? Was there something they were confused about?

What are your thoughts on the Neurological Impress Method? Would you try this at home? Let us know in the comments!

 Make sure to visit our post on reading fluency strategies if you are looking for more options to support your reader.