J. Wallace James

Literacy Library

Doni Kovatch, Reading Facilitator

Help Your Child Become a Fluent Reader

What does fluency mean?

To be a fluent reader, for elementary students, means to read like we speak.  The goal for students is to read like they are talking, instead of having to sound out every word. Research has shown a correlation between fluency and comprehension. 

Below you will find some ways to help your child become a more fluent reader.

  Model Fluent Reading

Children need many opprotunities to hear books/text read aloud.  So when you read with your child at home, take turns and allow them to hear you read fluently. Also, books on tape/cd are a great way to model fluent reading.

Provide Reader Support

Allow your child time to read both orally and silently.  Talk to him/her about how it sounds when he/she reads.  One of the most helpful ways to build fluency together is to "echo read."  You read a portion of the text, then allow your child to "mimic" you and read the same part.

Use Repeated Readings of One Text

In order to increase reading rate, and fluency, read the same book over and over.  If your child has a favorite book, allow him/her time to read it over and over.  This will build fluency with the words that he/she should know by "sight."

Look at Just One Part of the Book

A proficient reader has the ability to group words together in meaningful units.  One way to help is to "chunk" parts of the book.  Have your child look at just one paragraph and practice fluency. Or for smaller picture books, just look at one page at a time.

Provide Easy Reading Materials

Although, children read on level texts at school, it is okay to allow them to read a lower level text at home when practicing fluency.  Many times children can read at a certain level but struggle to read fluently, so pull out those old nursery rhymes and Dr. Seuss books that have fun rhyming words and allow them time to practice reading fluently.

 Contact Information:

Doni Kovatch

J. Wallace James

(337)521-7700

dpkovatch@lpssonline.com