Ways to Improve Fluency
The basic format for teaching these skills is modeling, repetition, positive feedback from the teacher and an opportunity for students to practice orally (Kuhn, 2004).
Echo Reading
A teacher or more able reader reads a line or two of text, then child reads the same line. As child’s reading improves, the number of lines can be increased. The model reader should make sure to read with good pace, expression and pronunciation. The model reader should also draw attention to the words (by pointing to them) as he/she reads them. Encourage the child to point to the words when he/she echo reads.
Choral Reading
A teacher leads the class or small group in a reading together. You could do this with a poem each week in your class. The teacher should model a good pace and expression and touch the words while reading.
Paired Reading
Pair a more able reader with a less able reader (this can be done with Book Buddies from older grades or perhaps strategic pairing of students during Daily 5 Read to Someone time). Pick a book that is on the level of the less skilled reader. Readers take turns reading pages OR the more skilled reader can read a page and then the less skilled reader can reread the page. Again, the more skilled reader should model good pace and expression.
Reader’s Theater
Student reads lines out loud, much like a short play. This gives students the opportunity to practice reading fluently, with good pace and expression. This is a good opportunity to invite families or other students to observe.
Antiphonal Reading
“Antiphonal reading is a choral reading in which parts are taken by groups. Poetry with conversation works well with this activity. Divide your class into multiple groups. Assign each group a different part to read. Practice each part
and then read together." (Morrow, 2012)
Tape-Assisted Reading
Have students listen to tapes or CDs with recorded reading, while they follow along with the words in the book. This is also an excellent opportunity to use online resources, like MYON books and Tumblebooks. Students get the opportunity to hear a fluent reader, while practicing their concept of word.
Repeated Reading
Teacher rereads a story to students multiple times to model fluent reading. Can use other strategies, such as echo reading or choral reading WHILE doing repeated readings to have children practice fluent reading. Students also need opportunities to repeatedly read text that is at their instructional level. (Morrow, 2012)
Text Copies
Type up the words from a familiar book without any pictures. Have students practice rereading for automaticity.
Echo Reading
A teacher or more able reader reads a line or two of text, then child reads the same line. As child’s reading improves, the number of lines can be increased. The model reader should make sure to read with good pace, expression and pronunciation. The model reader should also draw attention to the words (by pointing to them) as he/she reads them. Encourage the child to point to the words when he/she echo reads.
Choral Reading
A teacher leads the class or small group in a reading together. You could do this with a poem each week in your class. The teacher should model a good pace and expression and touch the words while reading.
Paired Reading
Pair a more able reader with a less able reader (this can be done with Book Buddies from older grades or perhaps strategic pairing of students during Daily 5 Read to Someone time). Pick a book that is on the level of the less skilled reader. Readers take turns reading pages OR the more skilled reader can read a page and then the less skilled reader can reread the page. Again, the more skilled reader should model good pace and expression.
Reader’s Theater
Student reads lines out loud, much like a short play. This gives students the opportunity to practice reading fluently, with good pace and expression. This is a good opportunity to invite families or other students to observe.
Antiphonal Reading
“Antiphonal reading is a choral reading in which parts are taken by groups. Poetry with conversation works well with this activity. Divide your class into multiple groups. Assign each group a different part to read. Practice each part
and then read together." (Morrow, 2012)
Tape-Assisted Reading
Have students listen to tapes or CDs with recorded reading, while they follow along with the words in the book. This is also an excellent opportunity to use online resources, like MYON books and Tumblebooks. Students get the opportunity to hear a fluent reader, while practicing their concept of word.
Repeated Reading
Teacher rereads a story to students multiple times to model fluent reading. Can use other strategies, such as echo reading or choral reading WHILE doing repeated readings to have children practice fluent reading. Students also need opportunities to repeatedly read text that is at their instructional level. (Morrow, 2012)
Text Copies
Type up the words from a familiar book without any pictures. Have students practice rereading for automaticity.