Fluency & Just Right Books

     Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy and proper expression.  In order to understand what they read,  children must be able to read fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently.  If a child struggles reading word-by-word it can break down their ability to think about the text ideas, characters and themes (comprehension).  


     This is the time of year teachers become concerned with readers who lack fluency and comprehension.  The most successful research based strategy to improve fluency  (Allington, 2006)is  for children to be reading "just right" books at their independent reading level.  I am so pleased we are trying to do this for our elementary students!!

PLEASE NOTE:  Kindergarten and beginning first grade readers are normally not fluent readers.  These readers are just beginning to learn to read and they will read word-by-word during the early stages of reading.  Fluency would not be an issue at these levels.  


     Our goal this year was to incorporate 20-45 minutes of independent reading time.
 (DEAR or Read to Self-whatever you'd like to call it).   We are using the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment Leveling Kit for determining a student's independent and instructional reading level.  Fountas & Pinnell states that readers should be reading at an EASY level to ensure fluency practice.  This means that readers should be able to read the text with 98% accuracy and with satisfactory or excellent comprehension.

     Many times readers are reading books that are not at their true independent level.  If poor fluency is an issue then a teacher can bump their level down one or two to ensure fluency practice.    To assist in leveling books go to   The Book Wizard by Scholastic.

     This also confirms the importance of a well stocked classroom library filled with books that are leveled using the F&P text gradient levels (A-Z).  Classroom teachers are also supported when they have a school librarian that is able to pull and categorize books by this same leveling system.   Leveling Conversion Chart   This chart helps with knowing a variety of leveling systems.  It is important for teachers, support staff and librarians to know these levels.

     Independent reading is vital in our literacy program but it must be at the child's "just right" reading level.  Older children should be encouraged to engage in picture books, poetry books and books that are fun and engaging such as Dr. Seuss.   It is so true that the more you read, the better you'll read so READ,  READ,  READ!!

Happy Reading!  Mrs. Speake