Second Grade Fluency Group
Fluency Group is for second grade students who have good reading strategies in place and are reading at or near grade level in terms of accuracy and comprehension, but need support in building fluency (reading with appropriate speed, pacing and expression). We use a computer-based program called Read Naturally combined with teacher support to move students toward greater reading fluency. Students are referred by their classroom teachers for participation in our Second Grade Fluency program and meet with me in our computer lab for three thirty minute sessions each week. Our dedicated and talented instructional assistants work with me to ensure that our students receive the attention and support they need in order to improve as fluent readers.
Each lesson begins with a "cold read," which is what we call the initial reading of a piece. All pieces are non fiction and of high interest to children. Teachers listen to students read and we make note of the word per minute rate. Students practice reading the piece independently several times with focus on fluency and accuracy. Comprehension is the goal of reading, so there is a quiz before the final "hot read." Teachers listen to students read and make note of the word per minute rate, accuracy and expression. Students choose a new story when they have met their fluency and accuracy goals. The program provides a graph with each lesson to show students their improvement. I've worked with this program for several years and the kids seem to enjoy watching their words per minute score climb! We're lucky to be able to offer this opportunity to our second graders.
Please check out the Read Naturally Website for more information on this program.