Five Easy Ways to Improve Reading Fluency

Fluency refers to the ability to read with expression, accuracy, and speed, whether reading aloud or silently. When children are learning to read, they often read word by word, in a choppy manner.

As children become more proficient readers, their reading may still remain choppy and slow. While this is often developmentally appropriate, it can lead to poor confidence and stamina in young readers. Weak fluency skills can also impede a child’s ability to comprehend what they’re reading. If your child is reading slowly and with difficulty, try incorporating these easy fluency practice activities into your family’s reading routine.

• Regularly model fluent reading for your child. Read aloud to your child every day. Make sure you’re reading expressively, pausing at punctuation, and moving at an appropriate pace (not too fast, not too slow).
• Play children’s audiobooks during car rides or when your child is playing, drawing, or needing a break. Audiobooks are an excellent way for your child to hear fluent reading modeled.
• Ask your child to re-read a page or a book they’ve read before. Re-reading gives children the opportunity to add more expression, correct errors, and group text into meaningful phrases (rather than reading word by word).
• Read in unison with your child. Choral reading is a great way to help build your child’s fluency. It also provides them with extra support when they’re challenged.
• Encourage your child to read aloud to a non-reader, such as:
• a younger sibling
• a stuffed animal
• a doll or action figure
• an imaginary friend

Every little bit of practice reading aloud helps build fluency.

If your child is in third grade or higher and still struggling to read smoothly with expression, and is often resistant to reading, it’s time to speak to their teacher and seek support.

While we expect children to read word by word as beginning readers, it’s important that they gradually develop into fluent readers who can understand and make meaning from text.