Before going to Holland, I decided to buy a Dutch/English traveling pocket book. I relentlessly worked day and night at sounding out each letter, and creating flash cards and going over them day after day. A Dutch Teacher which I located on a bulletin board at the YMCA in Montreal supported me tremendously. However, I could not remember what each word meant, and constantly had to review the words in the dictionary. Well, by the time THAT was over, I had lost all meaning of the plot. This created frustration, and unfortunately I ended the tutorial sessions. My trip to Holland was great. I remember a few words; however I had not acquired reading fluency!
Reading Fluency is the ability to read effortlessly and with ease with the freedom of word recognition problems. "A lack of fluency is characterized by slow, halting pace; frequent mistakes; poor phrasing; inadequate intonation-all a result of weak word recognition skills (Samuels, 1979). Reading fluency is imperative in order for students to read for meaning. Students, who decode effortlessly, can concentrate on the plot.
Fluent Readers can:1. Read with speed
2. Read with recognition
3. Read with proper intonations
A student can read fluently if they read with expression, aloud and retell story, comprehend equally when passage is read or listened to by a parent or on audio.
In order to evaluate reading fluency, there are several measurement tools. Florida now includes these rates as benchmarks for student readiness. Students need paragraphs read aloud to them with expression! Teachers and parents alike can do this at home. Students should practice reading new and difficult words, and use a dictionary at all times. Whether at home or school. Schools either provide a dictionary or it is on the supply list at the beginning of the year. Kids should also recite what you have read aloud. Teachers should also model reading with taking a pause between words. This is fluency.
Here are a few lessons you can use:In order to evaluate reading fluency, there are several measurement tools. Florida now includes these rates as benchmarks for student readiness. Students need paragraphs read aloud to them with expression! Teachers and parents alike can do this at home. Students should practice reading new and difficult words, and use a dictionary at all times. Whether at home or school. Schools either provide a dictionary or it is on the supply list at the beginning of the year. Kids should also recite what you have read aloud. Teachers should also model reading with taking a pause between words. This is fluency.
Lesson #1
While reading, have students, echo changes in pitch. This will enhance expression. Choose a paragraph or phrase in the book they are reading. Discuss it with them, and have them echo your reading.
Lesson #2Audio books are great. Go to www.readinga-z.com to purchase a few for your kids.
Tips for Making Reading Enjoyable:
Make sure your child sits in a comfy corner
Have them eat healthy snacks
Drink water
Be consistent
Read at home. Modeling is the key!
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