Strategies to increase reading fluency and comprehension
(compiled by Koenig, Holbrook & Layton)
- Repeated Reading
Repeated readings is a simple technique for increasing reading fluency by providing the student with many opportunities to repetitively read a familiar passage until reading sounds like language. In this way, the student is able to practice his/her reading skills. This method requires the teacher to prepare short passages with approximately the same complexity.
- Paired Reading
Paired reading is used to help the classroom teacher individualise instruction and to increase reading fluency. It provides a safe way for children to participate and practice reading aloud in a comfortable instructional environment. Paired reading groups two individuals (teacher-student or student-student) with differing reading rates. A “proficient” reader serves as a model for the “novice” reader; the goal is to increase the fluency of the novice reader.
- Radio Readings
In radio reading, the reader acts as a radio announcer with a script. The listeners function as an audience. The reader must communicate accurately the information through oral reading. The audience listens and discusses what the reader has read and whether the message of the script was received by the audience. The selection to be read needs to be of a grade and interest level appropriate to the group.
- Echo Reading
Echo reading enables the student to use visual, aural, oral and tactile abilities to assist in the process of learning to read. In this strategy, readers are exposed to accurate, fluid patterns of reading fluency. An individual instructional situation is required.
- Cloze Procedure
To encourage students to use contextual cues by suggesting replacements for words that have been omitted from sentences.
- Text Preview
To build background knowledge before reading, provide motivation, and provide an organisational framework for comprehending narrative or expository texts.
- Possible Sentences
To explore new vocabulary prior to reading expository materials, to provide a purpose for reading, and to promote curiosity about the reading assignment.
