Are you concerned about your child’s reading skills? Do you want to help your child read more fluently? Reading fluency is one of the most important skills for a child to master in the early elementary years. Not only does a fluent reader make the transition to being a fluent writer much more easily than a non-fluent reader, but as students get older reading plays an important role in math, science, and social studies too. In this article, we will provide you with 11 ways to increase reading fluency in your child.
1. Read Aloud to Your Child
Reading aloud to your child is one of the best ways to help them improve their reading fluency. Even if your child is old enough to read by themselves, it’s helpful for them to hear someone more practiced read to them. They’ll get a better sense of rhythm, intonation, and, if you pick a variety of different genres, will develop an appreciation for all types of books. Reading aloud to your child is also a great way to bond with them and create lasting memories.
2. Create a Reading Area
Give your child a place where they can go to be comfortable while they read, one that is filled with their very own books. While it may not help with the technical components of fluency, it helps build an overall appreciation for reading. Creating a reading area can be as simple as setting up a cozy corner with a bean bag chair and a few books.
3. Work on Phonemic Awareness
Many students have trouble with reading fluency because they have trouble understanding how the pieces of words (such as chunks, digraphs, and blends) are manipulated to make new words. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. You can help your child develop phonemic awareness by playing games that involve rhyming, alliteration, and sound matching.
4. Build Sight Word Vocabulary
Sight words, sometimes known as core words, are the foundation of a child’s reading and writing skills. If your child can’t quickly recognize common words, they are more likely to stumble as they try to sound out everything they read. You can help your child build their sight word vocabulary by using flashcards, playing sight word games, and reading books that contain sight words.
5. Paired Reading
Paired reading can mean alternating sentences while you read with your child or reading aloud together. Just come up with a signal to indicate when your child wants to read a sentence by themselves or is stuck on a word. Paired reading is a great way to help your child develop their reading fluency and comprehension skills.
6. Echo Reading
Echo reading is a great strategy for children who have great technical reading skills, but for whom prosody is a problem. If your child struggles to read with expression, try reading a section and then having them “echo” you, using the same intonations and emphasis you used. This will help your child develop their prosody skills and improve their overall reading fluency.
7. Pick Books Kids Can Relate To
Nothing gets a child more interested in a book than knowing that the character is having the same struggles or concerns that they are. Choosing books that can help children find solutions to problems they are facing can not only help build fluency but also deal with issues like bullying and school refusal. The best books for shy kids can help them overcome their fears and become more confident readers.
8. Invest in Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a fantastic way for children to follow along as someone else reads. Even better is the fact that your child can listen to their favorite book over and over again without you having to read it a million times! Audiobooks can also be great models of reading fluency.
9. Practice Critical Reading
Fluency isn’t just about being able to recognize the words and read them expressively at a good pace. It’s also about understanding what you’re reading. You can help your child develop their critical reading skills by asking them questions about what they’ve read, encouraging them to make predictions, and helping them make connections between what they’re reading and their own experiences.
10. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are many apps and websites available that can help your child improve their reading fluency. Some of the best apps for improving reading fluency include Reading Eggs, Epic!, and Raz-Kids. These apps use games and other interactive activities to help children develop their reading skills.
11. Make Reading Fun
The most important thing you can do to help your child improve their reading fluency is to make reading fun. Encourage your child to read books that interest them, and don’t be afraid to let them read books that are above their reading level. Reading should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore.
FAQs
Q: How can I tell if my child is struggling with reading fluency?
If you’re concerned about your child’s reading fluency, there are a few signs to look out for. If your child is reading slowly, stumbling over words, or having trouble with comprehension, they may be struggling with reading fluency. Other signs include avoiding reading, not wanting to read aloud, and not being able to read at grade level. If you’re concerned about your child’s reading fluency, it’s important to talk to their teacher and get them the help they need.
Q: How do I make reading fun for my child?
A: Prioritize your child’s interests, let them choose books, and ensure a positive environment. The key is to make reading an enjoyable, not a daunting, experience.
Q: What if my child is avoiding reading aloud?
A: If your child avoids reading aloud, be patient, and try different approaches. Consult with their teacher to understand the underlying issues and seek appropriate assistance.
Conclusion Reading fluency is an essential skill for children to master. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help your child improve their reading fluency and develop a lifelong love of reading. Remember to read aloud to your child, create a reading area, work on phonemic awareness, build sight word vocabulary, practice paired and echo reading, pick books kids can relate to, invest in audiobooks, practice critical reading, use technology to your advantage, and most importantly, make reading fun! With these strategies, your child will be reading more fluently in no time.
