Students at Washington-Wilkes Primary School are focusing their attention on mastering a multitude of important skills, with fluency building topping the list.

Fluency refers to something that can be done effortlessly and in a smooth flowing manner. W-WPS teachers, in addition to providing instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary and comprehension development, recognize fluency as an essential component of successful reading. Fluency in reading refers to a student’s ability to read a text accurately and quickly. When fluent readers read, they recognize words automatically, grouping words quickly in ways that help them gain meaning from what they read. Fluent readers read effortlessly with expression, making their reading sound like they are speaking. The more attention readers must give to identifying words, the less attention they can devote to comprehension. Fluent readers are able to recognize words and comprehend at the same time.

How can parents help build fluency skills in reading?

Listen to your child read aloud every day. Silent reading is also important, but it is important to read aloud when working on fluency.

Have him practice re-reading the same page over and over, helping him read at a smoother pace each time, in a manner that sounds like talking.

Practice basic sight words the teacher sends home, memorizing a few each night until recognition is automatic.

Help your child sound out words so decoding unfamiliar words will become a smooth task.

Building reading fluency at an early age is essential to future success. W-WPS students are building fluency so they can open their minds to higher levels of thinking.

Pictured above are first graders from Mrs. Crystal Jackson’s class (around the table left to right: Desmond Cofer, Destiny Allen, Daleah Booker, Nathaly Aburto, Ramey Martin, and Phillip Villagorda). Mrs. Jackson’s daily instruction includes drill of basic sight words and addition/subtraction facts to help her students build automaticity needed for a solid foundation.

(This space paid for by the Wilkes County Board of Education.)