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It’s no secret that we are passionate about helping children as they learn to read. Children face many hurdles that they need to overcome when learning to read, and reading with speed and expression is certainly one of them.

Fluency is one of the key building blocks of learning to read and crucial in reading for meaning. If a child reads very slowly, by the time they reach the end of a sentence, they can’t quite remember what they read in the beginning.

A child’s ability to read fluently is determined by a number of factors, such as the ability to identify words, understand punctuation and pronunciation, as well as confidence and self-esteem.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite tips for helping a child to read more fluently.

1. Reread books over and over again

Ever let out a little sigh when a child picks out the same book to read – you know, the one they’ve read over 100 times? You’ll be relieved to know that it’s actually GREAT for a child to reread the same books over and over again, and it does wonders for their fluency. Children will be more able to identify words and read with confidence.

2. Practice reading difficult words

If you’re about to read a new book that contains some difficult words, practice reading those words together before they read on their own.

3. Make storytime part of your everyday routine

Reading aloud has a long list of brilliant benefits, including improving fluency. When children listen to a story being read aloud, they’re being exposed to new words, learn how to pronounce words, as well as how to read a story with expression. They also see how reading with expression can help a story make sense. Model fluency by reading a story out loud first, and then have them read it.

4. Let them choose books that are at their reading level

When a child’s reading aloud, encourage them to read a book that’s at their reading level – a book that contains words that they mostly know or are able to decode easily. This helps a child to develop their reading fluency, rather than focus on decoding numerous difficult words.

5. Read poetry

Poetry is a great option when you specifically want to help a child develop fluency. Poems for children are often short and have fabulous rhyme and rhythm, making them fun and enjoyable to read.

6. Learn sightwords with play

When a child can easily identify or decode more words, they’re more likely to read with fluency. Our favourite way to help children learn sightwords is through play, making use of fun games and activities. The sky is really the limit on this one. For some brilliant ideas of fun, free and low-prep sightword activities, The Measured Mom has a collection of great ideas on her blog.

7. Encourage, encourage, encourage

For an early reader, reading aloud can be a scary and nerve-racking experience. Creating a safe environment where a child feels championed gives them the courage to try, and when they do, be quick to shower them with praise and encouragement. As their confidence grows, so too will their fluency.

Do you have any fluency tips to share with our readers? We would love to hear them! Leave a comment in the Comments sections below.