Reading Fluency

Rereading a passage a number of times and being coached by a fluent reader are both ways to improve reading fluency. The best pieces of literature to use to practice fluency are artistic passages. Have your child practice poems, or stories that have interesting dialogs. Model for them how the piece will sound if read well. Show them by scooping with your finger or a pencil under phrases as you read so the child can get a feel for the flow of the language. Then provide an authentic reason for them to practice - "I want you to read this to Grandma when she comes over so she can hear what a great reader you are becoming," or "Daddy said when he gets home from work he wants to hear you read this." An audience is a motivator and encourager. It just makes it more fun to read to an audience!