Dear Parents,

We are excited to share with you that reading fluency will be our school's focus this year! Reading fluency is an essential skill that plays a vital role in your child's overall reading development. It refers to the ability to read text accurately, smoothly, and with appropriate expression. When children read fluently, it sounds like natural, effortless speech.

Fluent reading is important because it helps children not only decode words quickly but also comprehend the meaning behind the text. When reading fluently, children can focus on understanding and connecting with the story, making it a more enjoyable and meaningful experience. Fluent readers also have a larger vocabulary, improved spelling skills, and stronger overall language abilities.

To support your child's reading fluency at home, we encourage you to engage in the following activities:

1. Listen to Your Child Read: Set aside regular reading time where you can listen to your child read aloud. Encourage them to choose books they have read before or ones that are slightly below their current reading level. This way, they can focus on reading with fluency rather than struggling with unfamiliar words. By actively listening and providing feedback, you can help your child develop a smoother and more expressive reading voice.
2. Read Together: Engage in shared reading activities where you and your child take turns reading aloud. Start by reading a paragraph or a page and then let your child read the next one. This back-and-forth reading promotes modeling and provides guidance for your child to develop their fluency skills.
3. Provide Time for Repeated Reading: Encourage your child to read the same text multiple times. Repeated reading allows them to become familiar with the words, phrases, and sentence structures, which leads to increased fluency. Help them practice by selecting books or passages that are at their comfort level.
4. Use Home Readers: Make use of the home readers provided by our school. These books are specifically chosen to match your child's reading ability. By rereading these books, your child can focus on reading fluently and with expression, building confidence along the way.
5. Discuss the Text: After your child reads, engage them in discussions about the story or the information they have just read. Encourage them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and make connections to their own experiences. These conversations deepen comprehension and provide opportunities to practice oral expression.
6. Create a Reading Routine: Establish a consistent reading routine at home. Set aside a designated time and create a cozy reading environment. Encourage independent reading as well as reading together. Make reading a regular and enjoyable part of your child's daily life.

Remember, the goal is to create a supportive and positive reading environment. Celebrate your child's progress and effort, and provide constructive feedback to help them grow as fluent readers. By working together, we can empower your child to become a confident and expressive reader.

Wishing you and your child a wonderful year of developing reading fluency!

Sincerely,

Ali Owens and Maika Daire