Focus on Fluency by Katie Schieffer

When our children are in the primary grades, we often encourage them to read aloud. We celebrate their victories and provide support in their struggles. As they move into the intermediate grades, children read aloud less and less. Comprehension is linked heavily to fluency, and one of the best ways to increase comprehension of more complex texts is to increase fluency in these texts as well. As a part of an exercise in fluency, our Wilson 4^th graders have been recording themselves reading picture books to share with the younger grades. This activity benefits not only the fourth graders who are practicing reading with fluency, focusing on rate and expression, but also the younger students who will have model readers sharing a read aloud.

From our 4^th Graders:

I really thought it was fun because we got to use devices and record some of our favorite books! I also think it’s important because these read alouds are going to Kinder, First, and Second. I really enjoyed it!

-Fabiola

I think that it is a good way to show the Kindergarteners the words in the story and what the story is about. If they like the book, they can go into more of those kind of series. Also, this is a good way to teach the Kindergarteners about reading the words and the pictures in the story.

-Sofia

 We look forward to sharing videos with our younger reading budies.