Part 4 of 5 on The Science of Reading – Fluency

Hey there, bookworms! Today we’re talking about reading fluency.

Fluency

So, you might be thinking, “Where do I even start with the science of reading?” I totally get it; it can feel like diving into a bottomless sea of books and training sessions. But fear not! I’ve got three fantastic tweaks that’ll set you on the path to supercharging your students’ reading skills.

Phonological Awareness: The Everyday Marvel

First up, we’re talking phonological awareness. You might think it’s all nursery rhymes and kindergarten stuff, right? Well, think again! Science tells us that these skills are like the foundation of a sturdy reading house. Kids need ’em every day, from Pre-K to fifth grade. Even those big kids in third, fourth, or fifth grade might have some phonological gaps. They might struggle with rhyming or breaking words into sounds. So, what can you do? Practice, practice, practice! Yep, that’s the ticket. Every day, all the way up to fifth grade.

Say Hello to Phonics: It’s Letter Magic

Now, let’s talk phonics! Back in the day (circa 2003), we thought kids would pick up reading naturally, like learning to ride a bike. But guess what? Research came along and said, “Not so fast!” Only a tiny 10% of kids can learn to read that way. For the rest, they need YOU to connect those reading dots. So, when you introduce the letter ‘B,’ tell ’em it’s the same ‘B’ sound you find in ‘bat’ and ‘ball.’ Make it crystal clear that each letter or combo has a special sound buddy.

Say Goodbye to Flashcards, Hello Sound Mapping

Now, let’s toss those old sight word flashcards out the window. Make room for sound mapping. Remember those flashcards we used to give kids? They’d stare at them 5,000 times hoping they’d magically memorize them. Well, here’s the scoop: research tells us that kids don’t learn to read through visual memory; it’s all about sound! So, instead of memorizing ‘cat’ by sight, let’s have them hear the sounds – ‘kuh’ ‘ahh’ ‘tuh.’ Then, they can connect those sounds to the letters. ‘C’ for ‘kuh,’ ‘A’ for ‘ahh,’ and ‘T’ for ‘tuh.’ Voilà! They’ve unlocked the reading door. Now, they’ll remember the word in just four or five tries instead of 5,000. How awesome is that?

The Exciting Power of the Science of Reading

We’re buzzing with excitement about the Science of Reading, and you should be too! Imagine this: you used to make kids look at a word 500 times for it to stick, and now, it’s down to just five times. How incredible is that? It’s a game-changer! Reading fluency doesn’t have to be a mystery. It’s all about connecting the dots, one sound at a time. Happy teaching, and may the books be ever in your favor! 📚✨

We’re thrilled to play our part in a bigger mission, promoting literacy for all students. This program is just one way we’re helping kids get ready for the future. If you think Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine would be the perfect vocabulary builder for your school, contact us. We’d love to hear from you.