Fluency is a big buzzword these days.
I've seen it used for reading stories, decoding, and even math facts!
 |
| LETRS training was one of the best PD training ever! |
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.
The experts define reading fluency with 4 phrases:
1. automaticity in word recognition
2. accurate word recognition
3. rate (speed) of reading
4. prosody, or expression
So, how do we build fluency?
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
This full resource has all 5 vowel patterns: long and short vowels, with real words as well as nonsense words. Vowel Word Work: Word Sort and Fluency Practice
What do you do to build fluency?
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.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up this week at Teaching Blog Addict and offering our follower such a terrific freebie!
ReplyDeletePlease come back tomorrow, you're my featured blogger!
~Fern
Fern Smith's Classroom Ideas!
Fern Smith's Pinterest Boards!
Thanks for sharing this at Freebie Friday, Sally! Another tool I like for fluency is readers' theater.
ReplyDeleteLinda at Primary Inspiration
Great idea and freebie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSome things I do to help with fluency include: Reader's Theatre, one breadth HFW boxes, ball words, and word strings.
@ Wiley Teaching
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on fluency Sally and the great freebie. I try, as much as possible, to practice it during my small group time with my kids.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Leslie! It's tough to get it all in, but fluency really matters!
DeleteSally
I've been using Dolch phrases since you posted about them and offered a set as a freebie a couple of months ago. I can't believe the difference they've made. Also how great my struggling readers feel about using them! They've gained SO much confidence, and that's a big part of the equation! Thanks for the vowel set. If it makes as much of an impact as the Dolch phrases do I'll be doing a teacher's dance of joy!
DeleteAlways Primary