As Quick As a Rabbit!
Growing Independence & Fluency
Rationale:
In order for children to be able to have better comprehension, they must first
become more fluent readers. Without learning all the skills needed for decoding,
comprehension can become very difficult.
Children need to perform repeated readings of the same text in order to
gain the characteristics of a successful reader. Some of those
characteristics are the ability to read fast, smooth, and with expression.
When children become fluent readers, they increase their comprehension which is
the ultimate goal of reading!
Materials:
- Markers
- White Board
- Scardey Mouse by Alan MacDonald (enough for everyone including the
teacher)
- Checklist
How many words in a minute--one minute read?
How many words correct (accuracy)
Words they are struggling with?
Procedures:
1. Introduce the lesson: "Fluent reading is being able to read a text fast,
smooth, and with expression. It is an important part of becoming a
successful reader. It takes a lot of practice. Can anyone tell me
what it means to read with expression?" (Review the terms making sure everyone
knows what each term means before moving on. An example answer would be: "It
means to read like you really are the characters and to read happy.") "Today
class, we are going to practice rereading the same text or sentence so that we
can learn to develop fluency. Let's get started!" (Remind children that
sometimes fluent readers do not know every word).
2. Write a practice sentence on the board: (I am very scared of mice!)
Read the sentence very slow to the children. For example, I am verrry
scaaarred of miiicce! Sound them out slowly again and practice the silent
cover-up method. Read the sentence again smoothly and using expression.
"Which way did you like it better, slow or fast? Why did you like it better?"
(Hopefully the children will say it sounds better fast because you can
understand it better).
3. Write another sentence on the board. (There once was a mouse living
in my kitchen!) This time, divide the class into groups or partners.
Have them practice reading it to each other several times. "Practice
smooth reading with expression class." When they have practiced it many times,
ask them which way sounded better to them. "This is a great way to practice
rereading and becoming a more fluent reader!"
4. Read the book, Scaredy Mouse by Alan MacDonald out loud to the
class. "Now, everyone needs to follow along with me in the copy I gave you so we
can all learn and become familiar with the text." (READ THE TEXT) "Did everyone
see how I read smooth, fast, and used expression? I hope you did because you get
to practice it now."
5. "Now I want everyone to read the copy of Scaredy Mouse to themselves.
When you're finished, you may choose another book from our class library to
practice reading fluently. Remember, if there are more than two words on a
page that you don't know, you might need to choose another book."
6. Allow the children at least 30 minutes to accomplish these goals.
Assessment:
Call on each child to bring their book to your desk and have them read at least
one page from their book out loud to you. Have a checklist ready so you
can record their smoothness, speed, and fluency.
References:
MacDonald, Alan. Scaredy Mouse, Scholastic Inc., 2002.
Thomas, Gina. Quick as a Mouse.
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/education/reading_genie/guides/thomasgf.html
Bradley, Alison. Bananas About Reading.
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/education/reading_genie/guides/bradleygf.html