There is no question that fluency improves comprehension and therefore increases what students learn in the content being taught. But how do we increase fluency and help our students better understand?
I will share a few simple strategies that can have a huge impact:
*Vocabulary - Your students are never too old to learn vocabulary. Now, I don't recommend telling them a word and having them write a definition. Students need to really connect with the vocabulary that will help them in their content readings. Give the students a few words and take the time to truly study them. Students won't be able to learn by reading words they don't understand. Check out this blog for some great visuals for teaching vocabulary.
Vocabulary Strategies
*High Frequency Words - Take the time to make sure students know these words. They are simple words but they are used very frequently, hence their name. If students are having to take time to try and sound these words out, meaningful learning time is being lost.
*Read Aloud - Students need to hear what fluency is to know what they are working towards. Reading aloud, either by yourself as the teacher or with the whole class (choral reading), is a great way for students to hear phrasing, tone, pace, etc.
*Independent Levels - Students will need to practice their reading fluency, by reading in their own independent levels. These are texts that they can read on their own with very few to no errors. This will build confidence and increase fluency at the same time.
Taking the time to focus on these strategies will help students read faster and with more accuracy, leading to an increase in comprehension. Skipping over them will lead to frustration all around.
Brittany, I just want to commend you on how well you write. I can follow your blog posts very easily. I think knowing students' reading levels is very important. I've seen it work well with planning.
ReplyDelete-Darrien
Thank you! I enjoy writing.
DeleteI have to agree with Darrien about writing style. You seem to be able to quickly and elegantly respond to blog questions. I also agree with what you stated about high frequency words and love the read aloud part. I think that they are both very important.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have enjoyed writing again. I have blogged off and on in the past.
DeleteGreat strategies. I like the resource link as well. I can see some kids having a blast with some of the suggested exercises!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I like all the strategies you discuss and how you explained them. I especially see the importance in making students understand high frequency words.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your colleagues that your writing style is so good and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing that blog. Lots of great goodies on there!
ReplyDelete