Dear Parents,

     On this site you will discover ways to help your child/children with reading and writing skills.  I will include rational and activities for working on a reading or writing element.  We’ll start with reading fluency.

What is Fluency?

Fluency is the ability to a text accurately, quickly and with expression.  Students’ reading sounds natural, like they are speaking.

Why is Fluency Important?

Reading with good phrasing and expression helps readers construct meaning from printed words.  Fluent readers do not have to concentrate on decoding the words, so they can focus their attention on what the text means.

3 Keys to Effective Fluency Instruction:

·        Model fluent reading

·        Have your child practice reading passages

·        Support your child while they read by reading with them.

Activity – Rereading for Success

Choose a book or a passage from a book at your child’s reading level.

1.      Hear it and read it/ see it at the same time.

2.      Read once for the words

3.      Read again for phrasing.

4.      Read three times to get words, phrasing, and expression.

5.      Read the fourth time for performance to a brother, sister or parent.  

Activity – Echo Reading

 You read one sentence or phrase at a time and your child echoes back the same sentence or phrase, following the words with his/her finger so that you can be sure that he/she is actually reading and not simply mimicking you.  When your child can read with some degree of fluency, he/she can take the lead.  Of course, if he/she requires your support while reading, you should be ready to offer it.  Echo reading provides a means for you to vary the level of support you provide, as there is a gradual release of responsibility from you to your child.