Questions about Reading Fluency

In a previous article I discussed the importance of reading fluency. The article gave insight into how teachers can instruct students on increasing their reading skills. In the article I discussed reading fluency was not best increased through silent and independent reading. What about silent reading? Fluency is better gained from direct contact with a teacher or other adult. However, most teachers feel that silent reading is important for readers. So how should teachers teach fluency but still keep a handle on silent reading? Use silent reading during times of independent class work time but in the place of reading … Continue reading

Reading Comprehension

In a previous article, I discussed that reading has many variations. My article addressed reading fluency. In today’s article, I would like to talk about reading from a different perspective. While reading fluently is very important, so is reading comprehension or reading for meaning. Some children, and adults alike, are very fluent readers. When listening to the person read, one might assume that the person is an outstanding reader. However, when questioned about what was read, they may not be as wise. Naming words and comprehending words do not always come together. It is very important for a reader to … Continue reading

Homeschooling Days: Reading

In October, we will be looking at different parts of our schedule that make up our home schooling days. Whether you use the “unschooling” method or whether you are strictly classical, you can add tidbits here and there to make things more fun and augment your child’s education. Feel free to take and leave suggestions here on the comment board. If you have a reader, your story is probably similar to many other moms that I know. One day, they just started reading. You might have done some phonics instruction but reading is as much a developmental milestone as is … Continue reading

Teaching Vocabulary

In several of my last articles I have focused on different aspects of reading. The topics have gone from phonics to comprehension to fluency and now to vocabulary. My latest article talked about the importance of increasing the vocabulary of your students. In this article I continue to discuss vocabulary. However I begin to examine the methods of teaching vocabulary to students. As most of you recall, the typical method of teaching vocabulary consisted of copying bold words and their definitions from a body of text or from the glossary of a book. These definitions were then to be memorized … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: May 10 – May 16

Each day brings us a little closer to summer vacation. Summer activities are being planned and the children are more than ready to get out of school. Although the academic year is coming to a close, education should not be forgotten all summer. Check out below for information and ideas about educating your child. Monday, May 12 Questions about Reading Fluency Many teachers and parents feel that their child and students knowing how to read is satisfactory. However it is not only knowing how to read but it is also important how efficiently they read. Tuesday, May 13 Does Education … Continue reading

Fifth Grade Language Arts Curriculum Part I

Fifth Grade language arts skills once again build upon language arts skills leaned in previous years. Vocabulary words get more difficult, grammar gets more complicated, and writing gets more detailed. Here are the things your fifth grader needs to learn for language arts. Silent and oral reading: By fifth grade, a student should be able to read aloud and silently with fluency. They should be able to pick up just about any common piece of literature and read it. This includes novels, newspapers, magazines, and other publications. Types of literature: Literature opens up fifth graders to culture and exploration. Here … Continue reading

Why Read a Book More Than One Time?

Many young children love to read the same book over and over again. My children will often ask for the same book to be read two or three times consecutively. Children may alternate the story that they wish to be read. They often will choose one book and stick with it for a few nights. They then may change and begin wanting a different book read. While this can be tiresome and somewhat boring for parents, there are advantages to reading a book more than one time. Good books are meant to be read multiple times. Rereading or recalling a … Continue reading

DIBELS Testing

Next week, my class will take the DIBELS test for the second time this year. My district has not been active in taking the DIBELS test for many years. The test does not draw as much attention as the state assessment and many parents are not even aware that it has been given. There are no pamphlets sent home or fancy official score sheets. Therefore, your child may be involved in DIBELS testing without your knowledge. What is DIBELS? The DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a district-mandated test given to kindergarten, first, and second grades in … Continue reading