Reading Fluency @DPS

Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. 

In order to understand what they read, children must be able to read fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently. When reading aloud, fluent readers read in phrases and add intonation appropriately. Their reading is smooth and has expression. 

Children who do not read with fluency sound choppy and awkward. Those students may have difficulty with decoding skills or they may just need more practise with speed and smoothness in reading. Fluency is also important for motivation; children who find reading laborious tend not to want read!

As readers head into upper KS2, fluency becomes increasingly important. The volume of reading required in KS2 escalates dramatically. Children whose reading is slow or laboured will have trouble meeting the reading demands of their year group. 

Although everyone is at different stages with their reading, to give you an idea of expectations, at the end of Year 2, to be considered a fluent reader and therefore reach the 'expected standard' for reading, there is an expectation that your child should be able to read approximately 90 words per minute.  You might want to give this a go at home just out of interest.

What you can do to help at home 

1) Read Aloud to Your Child to Improve Reading Fluency. 

Even if your child is old enough to read by himself, it’s helpful for him to hear someone more practised read to them. Read aloud to your child to provide an example of how fluent reading sounds. Let them get a better sense of rhythm, intonation and, if you pick a variety of different genres, will develop an appreciation for all types of books. 

2) Work on Phonemic Awareness Skills 

Many children have trouble with reading fluency because they have trouble understanding how the pieces of words (such as chunks, digraphs, and blends) are manipulated to make new words. Help your child decode words well, help them build speed and accuracy by: 

• Reading aloud and having your child match his voice to yours 
• Having your child practise reading the same list of words, phrase, or short passages several times. 
• Reminding your child to pause between sentences and phrases 
   

3) Build Sight Word Vocabulary 

Sight words, sometimes known as core words, are the foundation of a child’s reading and writing skills.If they can’t quickly recognise common words, your child is more likely to stumble as they try to sound out everything he reads. 
 
4) Paired Reading 

Paired reading can mean alternating sentences while you read with your child, or reading aloud together. Just come up with a signal to indicate when your child wants to read a sentence by herself or is stuck on a word. 
 
5) Echo Reading 

Echo reading is a great strategy for children who have great technical reading skills, but for whom expressiveness is a problem. If your child struggles to read with expression, try reading a section and then having him “echo” you, using the same intonations and emphasis you used. 
 
                 Please support your child with this essential learning!