Reading fluency is the ability to read smoothly and accurately, with appropriate expression and comprehension. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child build the skills needed to become a fluent reader. Whether your child is in kindergarten or fifth grade, there are simple, engaging activities you can do at home to support their reading development.
- Letter Naming and Sounds (Kindergarten and First Grade): For young readers, recognizing letters and understanding their corresponding sounds is the foundation of reading. Play letter games l;ike matching letters to objects or singing alphabet songs. Practicing letter sounds through phonics activities, such as blending sounds together to form words, will help your child begin to decode and read more confidently.
- Build Vocabulary:Vocabulary is critical for reading comprehension. Encourage your child to explore new words by reading books together, pointing out unfamiliar words, and discussing their meanings. Engage them in conversations that introduce new vocabulary. You can even make word walls at home where your child adds new words they learn each week.
- Practice Reading Fluency: Reading Fluency is developed through consistent practice. Reading aloud with your child can help build their confidence and fluency. Try “echo reading,” where you read a sentence, and your child repeats it. Repeated reading of favorite books also strengthens their ability to read smoothly.
- Enhance Comprehension: Understanding what they read is just as important as reading itself. After reading, ask questions about the story-who, what, where, when, and why. Encourage your child to make predictions or connect the story to their own experiences.
By focusing on these areas-letter recognition, sounds, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension-you can help your child become a fluent, confident reader. Supporting their growth through fun, interactive activities will make reading a positive, enjoyable experience.
Mrs. Jennifer Gresser, K-5 MTSS Supervisor
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 