Building Fluency
Students need models of fluent reading and lots of practice reading with expression, phrasing, accuracy, and adjusting rate to match the purpose for reading.
Read Alouds and shared reading sources can be accessed on the following websites:
- www.tumblebooks.com
- http://pbskids.org/lions/stories/
- www.TumbleReadables.com
- http://www.storylineonline.net/
Most reading textbook publishers include online recordings of each story or text included in the anthology. The words to the texts can be seen, so that students can follow along.
Radio Reading
Radio Reading is a "read aloud" strategy designed for maximum interaction between the reader and the audience. The reader "reads aloud" a selection and then initiates a discussion by asking specific questions of the audience. Responses and dialogue should be fast-‐paced.
This strategy improves reading comprehension at two levels. The reader must immerse himself in the text to develop the discussion questions. The audience, in turn, reinforces learning by responding to the reader's questions.
Steps in Radio Reading
To prepare, have students listen to several minutes of news talk show from a live or recorded radio report. Ask students if the people talking sounded as if they were reading. Explain to students that a script is written and practiced so that the radio announcer sounds more like talking than reading.
Reading
Brainstorm the components of fluent radio reading.
- Expression
- Phrasing
- Rate
- Accuracy
Discussion
The questions are prepared ahead of time, but answers do not need to be pre-‐written before answering. When listening to live or recorded news talk shows, have students notice the way that the radio personalities interact with each other. Make a list of ways each person engages other participants after news has been read.
Emphasize posing higher order thinking questions that require students to give more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
Answers should always include restating facts in the text read and drawing conclusions, making predictions, and giving opinions based on these facts (details) of the text.
Record a Story
Have students select a text to read aloud and record for a podcast. Publish the podcast so that students in other grade levels can listen to the recording.
Assessment
Have students record a text at least 2 times per year and save in the student’s ePortfolio.
Have students:
- Tell the date of the recording.
- Give his/her name
- Tell the title and author
- Record the text
- Thank the audience for listening
Flunecy Fun
Karaoke is a popular way to learn expression, phrasing, and accuracy. This is a great suggestion for parents who want a fun way to work. Here are a few places to access free karaoke music:
- www.youtube.com
Just search for the title of the song and enter the word “karaoke” to access a version with lyrics. Sometimes you must look through several videos to find a version that does not contain inappropriate words. - www.thekaraokechannel.com-This is a subscription site with 8100 songs available.
iPad & iPod Touch Apps
Happy teaching,
Kelly Harmon