How to help your child read fluently

Fluency is the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. When children are fluent readers, they are more likely to comprehend what they are reading, leading to a more enjoyable reading experience. In this blog post, I will discuss some tips and strategies that you can use to help your child develop fluency while reading.

1. Model fluent reading: Children learn by example, and you can model fluent reading by reading aloud to your child. When reading, use a clear, expressive voice and pause at appropriate times. This will show your child what fluent reading sounds like and help them develop an ear for it.

2. Provide feedback: When your child is reading, listen carefully and provide feedback on their fluency. Point out areas where they are reading too quickly, possibly missing important punctuation and words. Encourage them to slow down and take their time to read more accurately. Sometimes they can sound robot-like because they focus on every word (like they did when they were learning the letters and sounds). Reassure them that they know how to read the words; now is the time to try letting the words flow.

3. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, fluency improves with practice. Encourage your child to read regularly, and provide them with a variety of reading materials that are appropriate for their reading level. You can also set aside time each day for your child to practice reading aloud to you (please read my previous blog posts related to this).

4. Use audiobooks: Audiobooks can be a helpful tool for developing fluency. Encourage your child to listen to the audiobook of their reading book. This will help them develop an ear for fluency and allow them to hear how the words should be pronounced and read.

5. Read together: Reading together with your child can be a fun and engaging way to develop fluency. Take turns reading a page or a chapter aloud, and discuss the story together. This will help your child develop their reading skills while also strengthening your bond.

6. Use fluency-building activities: Have your child read a passage several times, each time trying to improve their fluency, or have your child read with a partner, taking turns reading aloud and providing feedback to each other.

Top tip if you have a reluctant reader:

Try not to focus too much on fluency if your child is a reluctant reader, as this may make them more reluctant to read. You could try picking one sentence from the book and asking them to read it to you, focusing on fluency. Praise them afterwards and then allow them to continue reading how they normally would. They are likely to continue reading fluently if they receive lots of praise for reading that one sentence well. But this may take some time, so be patient.

Another Top Tip!

Ask your child questions about the books they are reading and about the ones you are reading to them to check their understanding. I can't stress enough how important this is for children. How can they find joy in reading if they don't understand what they are reading? I have created affordable guided reading ebooks for popular children's books (such as 'An Unofficial Guide to the book: The 13-Storey Treehouse, which is just £6) to help you with this. In these ebooks, I have created comprehension questions to ask your child while they are reading to you or while you are reading to them. I have also included example answers for you to give as well. Please go to my shop to see my resources.

Fluency is an aspect of reading that can be developed with practice and support. By modelling fluent reading, providing feedback, practising regularly, using audiobooks, reading together, and using fluency-building activities, parents can help their child develop their reading fluency and comprehension skills.