Fluency
“Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper
expression. In order to understand what they read, children must be able to read
fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently. When reading aloud,
fluent readers read in phrases and add intonation appropriately. Their reading
is smooth and has expression.
Children who do not read
with fluency sound choppy and awkward. Those students may have difficulty with
decoding skills or they may just need more practice with speed and smoothness
in reading. Fluency is also important for motivation; children who find reading
laborious tend not to want read! As readers head into upper elementary grades,
fluency becomes increasingly important. The volume of reading required in the
upper elementary years escalates dramatically. Students whose reading is slow
or labored will have trouble meeting the reading demands of their grade level.”
-taken from readingrockets.org
What
can I do at home to promote fluency and have some fun?
Have your child practice their fluent reading using the VIDEO or VOICE
RECORD feature of an iPad, tablet, or computer. Say to the child (for example),
“Let’s keep a portfolio (digital scrapbook) of how GREAT you read! Practice
reading this book again and again in your best voice and when you have a
version you LOVE, we will save it!!”
This way, your child gets PRACTICE and you get a piece of HISTORY! Imagine
looking back 15 years from now. It will be so special and sweet to hear your
elementary aged child read that great Dr. Seuss book! It can also a great gift for a grandparent or
deployed parent. Imagine the smile on their face when they can hear that sweet
voice reading!
This collection of oral readings can also serve as a great reflection tool
for your child. They can listen to their readings over and over again. They
will probably remark on their own improvement.
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