Reading Fluency Strategies

/

Table of Contents

Fluency Is Not A Level

Fluency is also like a moving target. A fluent reader looks different depending on where a child is on their reading journey. For example, your child may be fluent at reading passages with one-syllable words but what about multisyllabic words? A selection from Hamlet? Because fluency is an ongoing process, it is important to have reading fluency strategies you can rely on. Follow the link to our article on why fluency is important to understand more about the importance of fluency.

 

""

Reading Fluency Averages

Fluency is calculated using rate and accuracy. It is important to note that two factors do not paint the entire fluency picture. They do not take into consideration expression and comprehension.

Reading rate is defined as the number of words read correctly per minute (WCPM). Below are some average WCPM by grade.

  • First grade: 30-70 WCPM
  • Second grade: 50-100 WCPM
  • Third grade: 70-120 WCPM
  • Fourth grade: 90-140 WCPM
  • Fifth grade: 100-150 WCPM

Reading accuracy considers how many words were accurate and how many errors were made. Below is a general rule of thumb to use when gauging accuracy.

  • Independent Level-  A student reads no more than 3/100 inaccurate words on a passage.
  • Instructional Level- A student reads no more than 10/100 inaccurate words in a passage
  • Frustration Level- A student reads more than 10/100 inaccurate words in a passage
Both reading rate and accuracy should be taken from the same passage. 

Considerations

Reading fluency strategies will differ but there are some elements that should remain constant.

  • Passages should be decodable and at your child’s reading level. Click here to visit a free resource for decodable fluency passages.
  • Fluency sessions should be short and frequent. Aim for 10-20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
  • Make sure to progress monitor growth. It is helpful for children to see how their words per minute and accuracy increase with practice.
  • Tie fluency to comprehension. Ask questions at the end of passages to ensure your child is understanding what they are reading.
  • Don’t fall into the “speed trap.” Words per minute is a measure of fluency but not the focus. Children are not able to read with expression and understand the nuances of a passage if they are focused on zooming through it. 
""

Reading Fluency Strategies

Repeated Reading
  • Pick an appropriate passage: Print two copies. One copy is for you and one copy is for your child. Be sure to have a pencil and timer prepared. 
  • Timed cold read: A cold read is when a child reads a passage for the first time. Time them for 1 minute and make sure to mark any errors, missed words, and self-corrected words on your copy. Mark the last word they read at the minute mark.
  • Comprehension: Ask your child to retell you what they just read in their words. Asking probing questions about the passage will give you an idea of their comprehension level for this passage.
  • Supported reread: Ask your child to read 2-3 sentences at a time. Be sure to support them in decoding if they need it. Ask them to paraphrase what they just read after a chunk of sentences. Provide further support on word meanings, idioms, etc. Do this throughout the whole passage.
  • Repeated reading: Allow your child to reread the same passage as many times as needed. Be sure to note their progress. Did they read more words per minute? Did have fewer errors? Did they read more expression? 
""
Rasinski Method

The Rasinski Method is a fluency strategy with strong empirical data. It is intended to be daily sessions between 10 and 30 minutes per session, 4 to days a week.

  • Pick a selection: This could be a poem, song, part of a story, speech, or dialogue. The selection should be between 50-250 words. Print two copies. One for you and one for the student.
  • Model: The parent or teacher should read the selection 3 times aloud for the student. Be sure to model expression and appropriate phrasing. The student should be following along on their paper. Discuss with the student which version of your reading was the best and why.
  • Assisted reading: Read the selection together with your child several times. This is also called choral reading.
  • Repeated reading: Individuals or groups of students read the selection together 2-4 times. You should listen and support them when needed.
  • Perform: The student should perform their selection in front of an audience. The audience can be you, other students, or recorded so they can watch back. The Rasinski method is intended to have children preform a new selection every day. This should be adjusted to your child’s needs. 
parent and child reading
Neurological Impress Method (NIM)

NIM is a reading fluency strategy that is intended to be used 10 minutes per day, 4 days a week. The goal of NIM is to make the voice match print. There is no correcting or teaching in this method. Follow the link to our NIM article for a more detailed explanation.

  • Choose a selection: This could be a passage, book, or poem. Only one copy is needed for you both to share.
  • Position yourself: Sit next to and slightly behind your child. Position yourself at a point where your child is slightly in front of you so you are reading into their ear. Ideally, you would sit on the side of their dominant hand. For example, you would sit on their right side if they are right-handed.
  • Read together: Slide your finger along the text as you read. Make sure you place your child’s finger on top of yours so that you both are following along. Read the text aloud together. The parent should set the pace and read with expression. Your child’s pace should trail slightly behind.
  • Transition control: As your child becomes more confident with the selection, allow them to lead. Lower your volume and allow them to track the passage using only their finger. 
  • Comprehension: Ask your child to retell what they just read.  

Are any of these fluency reading strategies new to you? Have you seen success with any? Let us know in the comments or reach out t us via our connect page!