Reading Tip For April

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.

What parents can do to help at home:

• Support and encourage your child when reading.

• Check with your child's teachers to find out their assessment of your child's word decoding skills and fluency.

• If your child can decode words well, help him or her build speed and accuracy by reading aloud and matching his voice to yours.

• Have your child practice reading the same list of words, phrase, or short passages several times.

• Remind your child to pause between sentences and phrases.  Pay close attention to punctuation marks.

• Read aloud to your child to provide an example of how fluent reading sounds.

• Give your child books with predictable vocabulary and clear rhythmic patterns so the child can "hear" the sound of fluent reading as he or she reads the book aloud.

• Use online websites, such as Tumblebooks and have your child follow along with the reader.

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