How can I help my child read more fluently?

Answer 1

It is good to read to children when they are small, as this helps them develop a love of books and reading. As they get older, they will quite naturally read on their own. It helps to keep reading challenging books together with your child and asking him or her questions to ensure comprehension and explaining new vocabulary.

Answer 2

The best method for encouraging fluency, and the only one supported by evidence from research is called Guided Oral Reading. In this process, the parent models fluent reading of a short passage and the child repeats it. Think of it as a "My Turn, Your Turn" game, This process removes the threat of a cold reading and increases the child's sense of safety.

Here's How: You read a short passage aloud, then the child reads the same passage (not a new one). If your child stumbles on a word or gets stuck, give him a few seconds to work it out. If he can't, just tell him. Don't wait too long, and don't try to teach him how to sound it out during this process. He'll lose the fluency and meaning of the sentence. You can make a list of words to study later. Just give him the word as he needs it, quickly enough so that he doesn't lose the fluency and meaning. Then go on to the next passage in the story. You can do a whole story this way.

The National Reading Panel has determined that this method works.

BTW, Fluency is the bridge from decoding to comprehension. Once the child can decode, we want him to start hearing natural speech arising from the page, we want him to experience the page talking to him in ordinary speech patterns. That's called fluency.

One more note: If you perceive poor fluency, check to see if there is any issue with decoding--the step before fluency-- that is hindering him, hiding below poor fluency.

Best Wishes, Karen Kennedy

Answer 3

There are a few ideas that might help including reading out loud to your child and having them practice reading on a regular basis. Having them read out loud and offering feedback or corrections when you overhear them making a mistake can also help.

Answer 4

There are many methods. One that has been successful in the past is the neurological impress method.