Reading Fluency

Reading Fluency Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression. Fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.

When fluent readers read silently, they recognize words automatically When fluent readers read silently, they recognize words automatically. They group words quickly to help them gain meaning from what they read. Fluent readers read aloud effortlessly and with expression. Their reading sounds natural, as if they are speaking. Readers who have not yet developed fluency read slowly, word by word. Their oral reading is choppy.

Because fluent readers do not have to concentrate on decoding the words, they can focus their attention on what the text means. T hey can make connections among the ideas in the text and their background knowledge. In other words, fluent readers recognize words and comprehend at the same time. Less fluent readers, however, must focus their attention on figuring out the words, leaving them little attention for understanding the text. http://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading101/fluency/

1 Minute Fluency Tests There are many ways to evaluate reading fluency. A fast and simple test we use in 5th grade is the 1 Minute Fluency Test.

1 Minute Fluency Tests We use passages for each child at his/her reading level, set a timer for one minute, and have the student read out loud. We mark down any errors as the child is reading, and when the timer goes off, the child stops reading.

# of words read accurately 1 Minute Fluency Tests Then we count the total number of words read, the number of mistakes made, and calculate the accuracy rate as follows: # of words read accurately # of total words read

1 Minute Fluency Tests Example: If a child read 150 words per minute with 8 errors, the accuracy rate would be: 150 total words - 8 errors 142 words read accurately 142 ÷ 150 = 95% accuracy rate

1 Minute Fluency Tests The accuracy rate should be about 98 – 100%, so this child would need to keep practicing at this level, or be tested on a passage at an easier level.

Fluency Rates At the beginning of 5th grade, students should read about 140 words per minute. At the end of 5th grade, they should be at about 160 words per minute.

Fluency Rates Many of our students this year are already reading at or above the 140 words per minute level, and some are reading over 200 words per minute!!

Fluency Rates Reading fluency is not speed reading Fluency Rates Reading fluency is not speed reading. While speed is one factor, fluent readers pause for commas and periods, read in phrases, read with few or no errors, and are able to breathe while reading. 

Next Step? What can parents do at home to help improve their child’s fluency? Do you have to use a timer, count the number of words read and mistakes made, and then calculate the accuracy rate?

The answer: Just read with your child The answer: Just read with your child. If the reading is fast, smooth and accurate, if your child is reading out loud they way he/she would speak, then the fluency rate is probably good.

The answer: Just read with your child. If the reading is slow and choppy, or if your child makes a lot of mistakes, then try an easier book or passage.

You will know fluent reading when you hear it!

Source: For more information on reading fluency, visit: http://www

Readers Theater Readers Theater is an integrated approach for involving students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. It involves children in…. sharing literature, reading aloud, writing scripts, performing with a purpose, and working collaboratively.

Readers Theater helps to…. develop fluency through repeated exposure to text increase comprehension integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening in an authentic context engage students increase reading motivation create confidence and improve the self-image of students provide a real purpose for reading provide opportunities for cooperative learning

What I liked about readers theater is that you get to “audition” just like the real thing. I also like that we get to perform just like the real deal….with another class watching! -- Tanna S. I like readers theater because I think it helped me pronounce words better. It also made me better saying things louder. I am now not afraid to read in front of people. -- Emma G.

I think the good thing about readers theater is that it can maybe make kids read out loud more and speak up more when they read. Also it is going to make kids have more fluency when they read. – Phoebe H. I like the play, and I love my part. I hope other people like it. - Ernie E.

Source http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/programs/whatisrt.htm

Reading Comprehension Here are a few questions you can ask to get your reader thinking about his/her book (even if you haven’t read it) What did you think about this? Did this remind you of something else you’ve read or seen on TV? If so, how did it help you understand what you were reading? What kind of person do you think he/she is? Why? What makes you think that? Show me. I don’t know much about this. Can you tell me more? Did you disagree with anything that you read? If so, what was it and what are your thoughts? What did you find interesting? Draw a picture of what you visualized while reading and include a one sentence caption describing what you read.

Reading Comprehension Here are a few questions you can ask to get your reader thinking about his/her book (even if you haven’t read it) What did you think about this? Did this remind you of something else you’ve read or seen on TV? If so, how did it help you understand what you were reading? What kind of person do you think he/she is? Why? What makes you think that? Show me. I don’t know much about this. Can you tell me more? Did you disagree with anything that you read? If so, what was it and what are your thoughts? What did you find interesting? Draw a picture of what you visualized while reading and include a one sentence caption describing what you read.