Episode 5-Fluency

Fluency: The ability to read text with appropriate speed, accuracy, and expression

• Speed: Reading not too fast, not too slow

• Accuracy: Words correct per minute

• Expression: Pausing/stopping at punctuation, changing tone for different characters

●    Once students reach base grade level speed, faster is NOT better (Click HERE to access speed level chart)

●    What seems like comprehension issues are often fluency issues

●    Practice Speed

• It will naturally get better with decoding and vocabulary practice

• Give students text they can read with 90-95% accuracy

• Time for 2 minutes and calculate words correct per minute (WCPM)

• Give feedback on word recognition errors

• Have child read text 3-4 times over next few days

  • To peer

  • To another adult

  • To self (recording or phonics phone)

• Time and calculate WCPM again

• 10% or more gain-new passage @same level

• After two times of gain, move to a more complex text

• Not 10%-preview more vocab or select easier passage if necessary

• CHILD should be tracking results-creates ownership

• Practice Accuracy: highlight words students misread or skip

  • Determine which skill has a deficit

  • Explicitly teach

  • Go back to text and time for WCPM

• Practice Expression/Prosody

  • Using Emotions with groups of letters, words, and groups of words

    • A! BC, DEF?

    • Reread the same passage with different expressions

      • Robot

      • Someone extremely happy/sad

      • With an accent

      • HAVE FUN!