| Fluent reading is the key to comprehending text. | | | | - Allow and encourage your child to read the |
| If your child isn't a fluent reader, she won't | | | | same thing multiple times. The more she reads it, |
| understand what she is reading. Contrary to | | | | the more successful she will be. |
| popular belief, fluency is not speed-reading. So | | | | - Find some age-appropriate poetry to read |
| what is fluency? It's reading a passage in a | | | | together. Poetry often has a rhythm and rhyming, |
| flowing, smooth manner with expression. | | | | which helps children read at a steady pace, |
| Children become fluent readers with practice, both | | | | thereby improving fluency. Find some fun poems |
| at school and at home. So what can you do | | | | by Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky to start, then |
| outside the classroom to help your child build | | | | move on to more difficult poems. |
| fluency? | | | | - Though fluency is not speed-reading, some |
| - First, find out what her reading level is, and | | | | children enjoy being timed. See how many words |
| locate some books that she can read | | | | your child can read in one minute. Then, several |
| independently. If she stumbles over five or more | | | | days later, time her again. Chances are she will |
| words on the page, the book is too difficult. | | | | read more words the second time around, which |
| - Depending on the age and ability of the child, the | | | | will help to build her confidence. |
| "me, us, you" method works well. Read a short | | | | Most importantly, fluency comes from reading-as |
| book or passage aloud, then read it together, and | | | | much as possible. The more she reads, the better |
| finally have your child read it alone. Be sure to | | | | your child will read. Talk to your child's teacher |
| model expressive reading. | | | | about other ways you can help out at home. |