Texas Literacy Resources

Fluency

What is fluency?

Fluency is simply being able to read text quickly and accurately. Fluent readers read effortlessly and with expression. Fluent readers read naturally, as if they were speaking.

Why is fluency important?

Being a fluent reader is important because it helps the reader gain meaning from text. Proficient readers are so automatic with each component skill (phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary) that they focus their attention on constructing meaning from the print. (Kuhn & Stahl, 2000)

Learning to Read

It is important to link the shapes and sounds of the alphabet to spoken language. By using everyday opportunities to share the alphabet with your child, he/she will soon be able to distinguish the difference between what the letters look like and what they sound like.

Some ideas to try:
Magnetic letters (keep them on the refrigerator! Keep them in your pocket! Talk about what letter things start with)
Have lots of books, magazines, etc. for your children to look at and talk about. Allow opportunities for your child to “read” cereal boxes, etc…
While in the car, read billboards and other road signs
Create an “Alphabet Book” with your child.

Word Solving Strategies

Try giving your child the opportunity to self-correct. Have her reread the section and try again. Sometimes, by rereading the text a child is able to “figure out” the word on her own.
Ask your child what kind of word it is?
Ask if your child is familiar with a part of the word. Break the word apart in “chunks” if possible.
See if your child can use another word in place of the difficult one. Sometimes using a synonym “triggers” another meaning.
Give the meaning of the word to your child using it in a way that relates to something he/she has experienced.
READ with your child every day!!! As you read together, use “fix-up” strategies so that your child will be familiar with different ways to decode unfamiliar words.

Help My Child Enjoy Reading

Begin reading to your child from infancy on.
Have a library in your home. Provide your child with books of all genres
Make sure your child has a library card and visit the library frequently
Read to your child every day. Make reading a part of the day’s routine
Read while doing daily things
Make a recording of you reading your child’s favorite book…Sit down with your child and point to the words as the child listens. He will soon become familiar with the text and want to record it him/herself!

Homework Tips

(From the US Department of Education)
Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.
Have the necessary supplies available…pencils, paper, materials for projects, etc
Help your child with time management.
Be positive!
When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers.
If homework is meant to be done by the student alone, stay away
Stay informed
Watch your child for signs of failure or frustration.
Reward progress in homework!