How to Boost your Child’s Fluency in Reading

Reading fluency is a crucial skill for kids to develop at an early age. This refers to the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with expression. It also describes the ability to recognize sight and other common words fluently. When children can read fluently and confidently, they can better engage with what they are reading, improving their comprehension skills. Additionally, fluency in reading helps children with learning the pronunciation of new words and speech patterns, allowing them to feel more confident when speaking and communicating with others.

As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child succeed. Learning to read is a foundational skill that will help your child do just that. So, how can you help your child become a better reader? Check out these tips!

Make reading a part of your daily routine

Whether your child is learning to read for the first time or working to become a more fluent reader, incorporating reading into your daily routine can be incredibly beneficial. One of the best ways to encourage your child’s interest in and motivation for reading is to make it a regular part of your day.

Carve out some time each day for reading, and ensure that your child is present. You can read aloud to your child or let them read silently to themselves. It’s also a good idea to let your child pick out some books from the library on their own. No matter what form the reading takes, the key is to make it a habit that they look forward to and find enjoyable. 

Help them choose books that they’re interested in

If your child is reluctant to read, it may be because they’re not particularly excited about the book they’re reading. Help them find materials that pique their interest and match their reading level. This way, they’ll be more likely to want to pick up the book and keep reading.

There are a variety of ways to do this. You can ask your child’s teacher for suggestions, look for book lists online or at the library, or have your child browse the shelves and make their own choices. It’s also a good idea to talk to your child about why they like or don’t like certain books. This will help you get a better sense of their preferences and find books that they’re more likely to enjoy.

Encourage them to read aloud

One of the best ways for kids to improve their fluency is to read aloud on a regular basis. This gives them a chance to practice reading quickly and accurately while also working on inflection and expression. Additionally, reading aloud can help children become more aware of fluency issues and address them more effectively.

You can encourage your child to read aloud by taking turns reading paragraphs or pages from a book. You can also have your child read aloud to younger siblings, family members, or even stuffed animals or pets. The important thing is to provide opportunities for them to practice reading fluently and with expression.

Help them break down words

If your child is having trouble reading fluently, it may be because they’re struggling to break down words quickly. To help them with this, you can teach them some simple strategies for breaking down unfamiliar words. For example, you can have them sound out the word slowly, look for smaller words within the word, or use their knowledge of root words and suffixes.

Encourage them to reread books

Rereading books is another great way to boost fluency. When kids reread books, they become more familiar with the words and phrases, which can help them read more quickly and fluently. Additionally, rereading can help kids better understand the plot and characters of a book and increase their overall enjoyment of reading.

If your child is struggling with fluency, try having them reread a book that they’ve already read before. You can also have them read aloud from a favorite book or one they’re particularly interested in.

Help them practice fluency at home

There are a number of ways you can help your child practice fluency at home. One option is to create a fluency chart where your child can track their progress. This can be a motivating way for them to see their progress and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Another option is to play fluency games with your child. These games can be designed to help them practice specific skills, such as reading quickly or accurately identifying words. Fluency games are a great way to make fluency practice fun and engaging for kids.

Encourage them to use technology

There are a number of technology-based tools that can help kids with fluency. Some apps, for example, allow kids to practice reading aloud. There are also several online fluency games and activities that kids can enjoy.

In addition to apps and games, there are also a number of online fluency resources that can be helpful for parents and teachers. These resources can provide tips and advice on how to help kids with fluency, as well as a variety of activities and exercises.

Learning to read is an essential skill for success in school and beyond—but it’s one that many children struggle with. But with a bit of patience and effort, you’ll be surprised at how quickly their skills improve!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!