| Modeled fluent reading sets children's expectations and performance standards.
What Is Modeled Fluent Reading? Modeled fluent reading is more than just reading aloud. For reading aloud to model fluency, teachers need to discuss the process of how they read aloud: how to read in phrases, change pitch, which words to emphasize, and how and where to use expression.
Why Is Modeled Fluent Reading Important? Fluent reading is directly correlated to comprehension. Reading a text with accuracy, proper phrasing, and intonation reflects a strong understanding of the text.
Modeled fluent reading is particularly critical for poor readers in a low reading group who repeatedly hear the dysfluent efforts of other poor readers. These children need proficient, fluent models they can rely on as a voice in their heads for reference as they monitor their own reading.
When Do I Do It? Modeled fluent reading should happen at least ten minutes a day with text that you are already using in your class. It can happen as part of your regular read-aloud time.
Options for Modeling Fluent Reading
- Read aloud in front of the class.
- Read aloud or play an audiotaped model as children listen and follow along in a text.
- Read aloud simultaneously as a group.
- Read aloud phrase-by-phrase (or use an audiotaped model) and have children repeat the phrase(s) directly after you read.
Guided Oral Reading: Oral Recitation This technique, developed by Hoffman and Crone (1985), focuses on the relationship between comprehension and fluency. Children read a text, create a class summary, discuss aspects of the text related to fluency, read the text multiple times independently, then read aloud a portion of the text to the class.
Oral Recitation Lesson Routine
- Introduce a story and read it aloud. Choose a story with dialogue or one that contains different types of sentences including questions and exclamations.
- Discuss the story and have the class create a story summary.
- Discuss the prosodic (phrasing and intonation) elements of the text:
- Read dialogue as if it is spoken.
- Read capitalized words louder.
- Raise your voice at the end of a question.
- Put appropriate feeling in the characters' voices.
- Read longer phrases with appropriate pauses.
- Have children practice reading sections of the story with your guidance and on their own. Provide feedback as needed. (Kindergarten teachers may wish to stop at the story summary and discussion.)
- Finally, have children read sections of the story aloud for the class. Monitor each child's reading rate and word recognition accuracy. You may wish to record their readings.
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