Fluency in all its Glory!
Fluency in reading is an important skill for success in school and in life. Fluency is the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with expression. It helps students comprehend what they are reading more effectively and enables them to spend less time decoding words and more time understanding the content. When students can read fluently, it encourages them to become engaged readers who explore different genres and topics.
Break it Down
The EEF explains how the development of fluency in reading can be broken down into three distinct skills: accuracy, automaticity and prosody.
Accuracy refers to the ability to recognise words quickly and accurately; this is achieved by developing basic phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
Automaticity is reading words automatically. It enables appropriate reading speed and should feel effortless. Automaticity requires accuracy.
Prosody is the ability to read text with intonation and emotion; this is accomplished by having children vary their voices as they read aloud using different volume, smoothness and pace. Prosody requires accuracy and automaticity.
These three skills are essential for building fluency in reading and helping students become more confident and proficient readers. Fluency supports comprehension and as the EEF states, ‘fluency is sometimes described as a bridge from word recognition to comprehension.’ By providing students with meaningful reading experiences, they can be encouraged to practise their fluency skills and become avid readers. With dedication and practice, fluency in reading can help students grow and succeed.
Read to Succeed
In order to ensure students are reaching their full potential in reading fluency, teachers and parents should provide ample opportunities for children to practise and develop these skills. Activities such as interactive read aloud sessions and timed readings can help build accuracy and speed.
The DFE states in The Reading Framework 2022 that ‘reading engagement is not possible if children struggle with the basic mechanics of reading. Fluency and enjoyment are the result of careful teaching and practice.’
Fabulously Fluent with Fonetti
Fonetti has partnered with the National Read Aloud Challenge to ensure children have the chance to develop their reading fluency over the summer break. It is such a crucial skill that needs to be practised in order to be a successful reader.
Children will have access to hundreds of books on the Fonetti in app library for free to practise their fluency over the holidays. They will receive instant, constructive feedback so they are making progress all while having fun.
Enrol your school now!
https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk/
