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| LETRS training was one of the best PD training ever! |
Since I attended my second session of the LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training a few weeks ago, I've thought a lot about reading fluency.
Studies indicate a direct relation between fluency and comprehension.
No surprises there, it makes sense that struggling readers would struggle with comprehension. If they have a hard time figuring out the words, it's not very likely they will put together the meaning easily.
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- automaticity in word recognition
- accurate word recognition
- rate (speed) of reading
- prosody, or expression
So, how do we build fluency?
- Practice both phonetic patterns as well as sight words. (Feel free to download my short a/ long a practice freebie by clicking the graphic to the right.)
- Practice reading phrases and sentences a few words at a time. (Phrasing)
- Practice reading simple paragraphs with expression.
- Oral Reading with a partner. (using text of appropriate difficulty... "just right" text! 95 - 100% accuracy)
- Monitored Independent Reading
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I have a poem that gets sent home for homework and we practice each day in class. We use it for fluency and some phonemic awareness activities. Tim Rasinksi has a ton of great ideas for fluency practice. Thanks for all the information you've been providing.
ReplyDeleteMs. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
Kerri,
DeleteThanks so much! Poetry is great, and I don't think kids get enough of it.
Sally
Sight word recognition, phrases using those words, and then controlled vocabulary books. As students advance I then introduce vocabulary that relates to our phonics lesson. The students then have to highlight those in their photocopied books(from READING A-Z). They love doing this, plus it reminds them to use the lesson to help them with the word, should they forget.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
DeleteSounds great! Reading words in phrases and sentences is important for fluency!
Sally
Love your blog!. I am having a hard time downloading your fluency cards. Any ideas. I have an Apple.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of that happening sometimes with an Apple, but I honestly have no idea why! If you send your email to elementarymatters@gmail.com, I'll send you a copy!
DeleteSally
I think you bring up some great points. However, "just right" text is not 90-95% accuracy. 90% accuracy means a child is making a mistake with 1 out of every 10 words they read. That is considered their frustration level. If you want a child to be reading with a partner, it should be independent level text that they can read with 98-100% accuracy. The point of fluency is to read accurately, while improving rate and expression. Too often, students are reading text that is too difficult for them. Fluency development should be an encouraging process.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right. 90% to 95% accuracy is the Instructional Level, not the Independent Level. They need to be 95% - 100% accuracy for Independent Reading to be successful. I changed the numbers above. Thanks!
Sally
Sight word practice ( I make practice pages), and short leveled passages to begin with. My lowest, cvc & nonsense words.. Lots & lots of practice! Thanks...
ReplyDeletewendy
1stgradefireworks
I need ideas for fluency practice for 6th graders. It is unbelievable the percentage of students in my class that aren't fluent.
ReplyDeleteSally, thank you for joining my first linky party! I hear you about fluency. I think it is so important. I pair my 1st graders with 3rd graders and we do 7 minute fluency practice daily. Because there is a social aspect to the fluency time, the kids are crazy for it! By the way, your photo makes me smile every time I see it!
ReplyDeleteKatie,
DeleteWe're starting the 6 minute fluency next week with out kids. I hope it helps!
Thanks about the photo... I've learned not to take myself too seriously!
Sally
Great POST! Thank you for sharing the information from your PD.
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly!
DeleteSally
Same thing with 2nd language acquisition, I've found over the years. Vocab lists hold them back at some point... Chunking language becomes a huge fluency facilitator (prepositional phrases, q & a patterns, key words of time for verb tenses, adj. phrases, etc.)
ReplyDelete