Oral reading fluency
What is Fluency?
Reading fluency is the ability to read a text easily. Fluency actually has four parts:
Accuracy - Are students able to correctly read the words?
Speed - Do students sound like they are reading like they speak or do they sound like a robot struggling with every word?
Expression - Do students change their tone as things become exciting or as questions are asked within the text?
Comprehension - Are students able to understand and explain what they read?
AT-HOME ACTIVITIES
read to your child every day
Model your own fluent reading as you read and reread books with your child. Even though your child may be able to read on her own, continue to find time each day to read books to her that are just beyond her reading level. She will enjoy listening to more advanced stories, and she will hear a great example of fluent reading - how you change your expression throughout a story and read with ease. Your child will hear how you raise your voice at the end of a question sentence or how you change your voice for different characters. (Resource: Reading Rockets)
record it
Another fun way to practice reading and build fluency is to have your child create her own audio books. This can be done simply with a tape recorder or audio recording feature or app on your phone. Your child might need a few "takes" to get his reading just right. Sharing your audio recordings with family and friends is a great motivator! (Resource: Reading Rockets)
Word Families
Choose a book at your child's reading level and read a sentence aloud using appropriate expression and pauses. Then, have your child mimic you, reading the same sentence and using the same expression and pauses. Repeat the game every few paragraphs as you read through the book. (Resource: Reading Rockets)
Paired or "buddy" reading
Take turns reading aloud. You go first, as your reading provides a model of what good fluent reading sounds like. Then, ask your child to re-read the same page you just read. You'll notice that your child's reading will start to sound more and more like yours. Do this for several pages. Once your child is comfortable enough, and familiar enough with the book, take turns reading page for page. (Resource: Reading Rockets)