From the Learning Center March 2008
Posted by lsnl in : March 2008, From the Learning Center , trackbackHow to Help Your Child Develop Reading Fluency
by Marcy Sosa
Fluency is the ability to process visual information rapidly, scanning ahead for punctuation while phrasing the text as spoken language. Fluency changes, depending on what the readers are reading, their ease with the words, and the amount of practice or exposure they have with a given reading text. When developing fluency, students should be reading text on their independent level. At the independent level, students are able to practice on speed and expression rather than on decoding.
Tips for Parents: Developing Fluency
- Model fluent reading. Read out loud smoothly and with expression. Show your child that reading should sound like talking.
- Subtle changes in character’s voices. Have your child imagine the characters in the stories. Model how the slightest change in their voices can make the characters come to life.
- Scan ahead for punctuation and emotion. Have students scan ahead for punctuation so that they can prepare for the appropriate tone. Encourage your child to pause between phrases and sentences. Have your child practice reading a passage with a certain emotion, such as sadness or excitement, to emphasize expression and intonation.
- Choral reading. You and your child can read stories simultaneously. For choral reading, choose a book that is not too long and that is at the independent reading level of your child. Patterned or predictable books are particularly useful for choral reading because their repetitious style invites students to join in.
- Echo reading or partner reading. Read a line or sentences from a book and then have your child read the same line, trying to mimic your expression and ease of reading. Remember to praise and encourage your child throughout the process.
- Reading material. You should also use a variety of reading materials, including stories, nonfiction and poetry. Poetry is especially well-suited to fluency practice because poems for children are often short and they contain rhythm, rhyme and meaning, making practice easy, fun and rewarding. Books with predictable vocabulary and clear rhythmic patterns can help your child "hear" the sound of fluent reading as he or she reads the book aloud.