What is fluency?
It is the ability to read a selection (like a story or text) with accuracy, rate and understanding.
With the STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness-)
the ability to read text, questions, charts and graphs is of the utmost importance.
Next year, reading will require text of various formats be read, analyzed, answer question from the text and formulate logical conclusions.
In STAARmath, no longer will children just be given just number problems to solve. They will have to read text, formulate the problem then figure out a solution, and in many cases this will also involve several steps in formulation....
And unlike TAAS, TEAMS and other prior Texas tests, the STAAR is a timed test.
It is imperative that your student must be able to read at 90 words per minute (wpm) and comprehend at an average of 95%.
I have a found a great article on the reason why we must practice with our children the "art" of reading fluency. http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/literacy/fluency.html
What do I do?
Parents, there is several things you can do.
- One read from your child's textbook everyday. Naturally read the stories assigned but it is alright to review past stories or read ahead. The latter reinforces the words already learned and preview difficult word that will be encountered later.
- Have a family reading time, you can read together for 30 minutes, go to the library, or just read a favorite story to your children.
- Ask questions about what your child has just read. The 5 W's come to mind, ask: Who , What , Where, When, and Why. But also add a prediction of what might happen next....
- Spelling City is a great help in reading and vocabulary practice. We have the program available to you, just ask your child for the passwords....
and how important this skill be practiced so that your child will be ready for the STAAR test next year.
Thank You,
Mr. F
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