Fluency means reading like you talk: the right words, at a good speed, with expression.
When reading is fluent, your brain has more room to understand the story.
Three parts of fluency
Accuracy means reading the words correctly. Rate means reading at a comfortable pace, not too slow and not racing. Expression means your voice goes up and down and shows feelings.
Let's learn
- Read a sentence in a robot voice, one word at a time.
- Read it again like a news reporter, smooth and clear.
- Ask your child which sounded better and why.
- Explain the three parts of fluency with a thumbs up for each.
Watch out for
- Thinking faster is always better. Racing through words makes reading harder to understand.
Make it fit your reader
- Easier: Talk about fluency using a song your child knows.
- Harder: Rate your own reading on accuracy, rate and expression.
Practice activity
- Robot vs. reporter: read the same sentence both ways and talk about the difference.
- Three thumbs: after reading a page, give a thumb for accuracy, pace and expression.
Tip for grown-ups: Keep practice short and cheerful: 10 to 15 minutes is plenty for young readers. Praise effort, let your child point to the words, and stop while it is still fun.