Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately and quickly. Fluent readers read aloud effortlessly and with expression. Their reading sounds natural, as if they were speaking. Fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.
Strategies to Improve Fluency
Choral Reading: read aloud together having your child match his/her voice to yours.
Repeated Readings: readers practice the same story. Set a timer for 1 minute and have your child start reading. Count the number of words read correctly in that minute. Have your child practice that same selection 4 more times. Then set the timer again. The number of correct words should increase. Remember, the selection must be read with phrasing and expression.
Echo Reading: read one or two sentences aloud with proper phrasing and expression. Then have your child imitate this oral reading model.
Predictable Language: choose a book that contains a predictable pattern. Read it aloud to your child. During the second reading, have your child join in. Continue with further readings until your child is able to read the book on his/her own.
Taped Readings: use books on tape/cd and have your child read along.