How to Teach Fourth Graders Reading Fluency
Fluency is the ability to read with proper expression, accurately, and at an appropriate rate of speed. Fluency is developed by practicing daily using a variety of methods and resources. Fourth graders can begin improving fluency at the beginning of the school year. By the time they are in this grade, most students can read enough words accurately to improve overall fluency.
Instructions
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How to Teach Fourth Graders Reading Fluency
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Teach fluency using several techniques. To increase fluency, have students read selected passages from books that are on their grade level. They can read individually to you or together as a class either chorally or they can follow you in repeated reading. Partner reading is also effective because it encourages peer support.
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Schedule a specific time when you will listen to each child read. If you have a large class and cannot read with each child one-on-one, then listen to small groups of no more than three at a time. Listen for expression, tone of voice, proper hesitation at punctuation marks, and word accuracy. A fluent reader will be able to combine these skills simultaneously.
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Provide many opportunities for your fourth graders to hear fluent reading. Read aloud to them yourself or have them listen to books on CD. You can also have your struggling students listen to peers who have already mastered fluency. The more they hear and see good reading modeled by others, the chances increase that students will imitate it. They can also record themselves on tape periodically to hear how they are improving.
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Assess reading rates often. There are standardized tests such as the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills Oral Reading Fluency Assessment, or DIBELS (see reference No. 2), which measures words read per minute. This test is quick and easy to administer, and it provides an accurate way to gauge each student's progress. You can also use your own test or one that is provided by the publisher of your reading program textbook.
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