What is reading 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.
Why is it important to read fluently?
In order to understand what they read, students must be able to read fluently. When a student gets stuck on a word, or a phrase, they lose the connection to the content they are reading. They would then have to go back to the beginning to re-read the text.
Fluent readers also tend to take more enjoyment in reading, as well as have more success in writing, as well as with their vocabulary and spelling skills.
What parents can do to help their kids read fluently
There are many ways in which parents can help their kids with their reading fluency. Here are some suggestions, in no particular order.
Read the text several times
Have your children read the same text several times. Every time they read the text, the reading becomes easier as they repeat words and phrases. You’ll also find re-reading passages helps with the comprehension of the text as they’ll have several opportunities to notice contextual cues in that passage.
Follow along with a finger or ruler
Decoding words is easier for young readers when they don’t lose their place as they move along the page. A couple of ways you can try to have them not lose that place is to follow along their reading with a finger or with a ruler.
Read aloud and record it
Reading aloud will bring problems with sound-letter combinations and contextual flow to the forefront. You’ll be able to hear where your kids are struggling. If you record the reading, you can share the recording with your kids’ teachers for their help in resolving their struggles with fluency.
Work on vocabulary
Practice sight words
When kids are familiar with our most frequently used words, they will find it easier to fluently read entire passages. Therefore, spend time on learning the Dolch and Fry sight words. It will help your kids in gaining better fluency.
Help them read at a steady pace
Key to reading fluently is establishing a consistent pace and rhythm as your kids read through a text. Help your kids start off slow and increase the pace as they get more comfortable with the text.
Focus on reading that interests your children
Sometimes all it takes to get your children interested in reading is to choose a topic that they already like. Let’s say your child likes space, pick books about space, if your child likes horses, pick books about horses. There are lots of different types of books on all topics, so pick freely from fiction and non-fiction within the categories your kids find enjoyable.
