Friday, December 16

Post #7

December 12-16

Reading Fluency

I can read with accuracy, an effective pace and expression.

Grade 5 Literature Circle reading "Restart" by Gordon Korman

     Reading fluency is the ability to read with appropriate speed, accuracy and proper expression. Students in grades 3-6 are encouraged to identify words automatically or decode them efficiently. Reading in a broken, slow or fast pace will affect understanding of the text. Fluency skills can develop over time with practice.

Practicing fluency while reading with a friend.

How can students improve their fluency?

• Track the words with your finger or bookmark when reading to yourself. Or follow along while an adult is reading.
• Try pausing at commas (yield sign) and stopping briefly at periods (stop sign) to develop an appropriate pace.
• When listening to adults reading a loud, movies/tv programs and audio books, notice the phrasing (how words are grouped together when spoken). What works? Try to match this when you are reading.
• "Buddy Read" with a friend, sibling or pet to practice reading out loud. Try experimenting with expression and phrasing.
• Reading sites such as Raz Kids and Epic Books have the option to follow along with the text as it reads to you. Listen for proper phrasing and pace.
• Practice reading familiar or favourite books and poems smoothly and with expression. Reread them until you feel comfortable with the words, pace and phrasing.
• As your fluency improves practice using tone, volume and emphasis to make your oral reading more dramatic.

Grade 4 "Buddy Reading" about winter celebrations around the world.