Fluent reading is the key to comprehending text. If your child isn’t a fluent reader, she won’t understand what she is reading. Contrary to popular belief, fluency is not speed-reading. So what is fluency? It’s reading a passage in a flowing, smooth manner with expression.

Children become fluent readers with practice, both at school and at home. So what can you do outside the classroom to help your child build fluency?

• First, find out what her reading level is, and locate some books that she can read independently. If she stumbles over five or more words on the page, the book is too difficult.
• Depending on the age and ability of the child, the “me, us, you” method works well. Read a short book or passage aloud, then read it together, and finally have your child read it alone. Be sure to model expressive reading.
• Allow and encourage your child to read the same thing multiple times. The more she reads it, the more successful she will be.
• Find some age-appropriate poetry to read together. Poetry often has a rhythm and rhyming, which helps children read at a steady pace, thereby improving fluency. Find some fun poems by Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky to start, then move on to more difficult poems.
• Though fluency is not speed-reading, some children enjoy being timed. See how many words your child can read in one minute. Then, several days later, time her again. Chances are she will read more words the second time around, which will help to build her confidence.

Most importantly, fluency comes from reading—as much as possible. The more she reads, the better your child will read. Talk to your child’s teacher about other ways you can help out at home.