Students must hear fluent reading modeled before they can understand what reading fluently means. By hearing stories read aloud with a lot of expression, the student is able to use the same techniques in his own reading. After reading a story aloud, discuss what good readers do when they read. Encourage parents to read aloud to their children each night. Pair nonfluent readers with fluent readers for extra reading time during class.
Conduct speed drills with students to increase instant recognition of sight words. Compile a list of high-frequency words to be used. Have the student read the list of words for one minute as you record any mistakes that are made. First- and second-graders should have a goal of 30 correct words per minute. Third-graders should be able to read 40 words per minute, while fourth-graders and above should read at least 80 correct words per minute. Give speed drills to students on a regular basis until they reach the goal for their age.
Choral reading is another way to increase fluency in reading. Choose a book that will be interesting to the child and sit beside him. As you read aloud, point to each word and read at a quick pace. Encourage the child to keep up and read aloud with you. This activity requires him to connect the flow of speech with the flow of reading and decoding words. It will also help him with phrasing and expression in reading.
Repeated readings of short passages will help students increase their fluency. Have the child read a specific passage aloud over and over again. Choose a 50- to 100-word passage for the child to read. Have her read it aloud one time through while you time and record errors. Give her a few minutes between each reading to think through mispronounced words, phrasing and intonation. Have her repeatedly read the passage until she is able to read fluently with few errors.