Reading fluency is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for a lifetime of successful reading and learning. Reading fluency is the ability to read text quickly, accurately, and with expression. Early elementary students who develop strong reading fluency are better equipped to comprehend texts, enjoy reading, and perform well in school. As elementary teachers, it’s our responsibility to make the learning process engaging and enjoyable. Here are ten fun ways to help your elementary students improve their reading fluency:
Reading Fluency Games
Playing weekly partner fluency games can really boost students fluency in a fun way. The fluency games are even more effective if students get additional opportunities for repeated readings with a corresponding decodable passage. The set below can be found in the Free Members Only Resource Library. Join the Members Only Free Resource Library and have access to Boom Cards, no prep printables, and fun games like these.
These phonics fluency games and passages gives students fun and engaging text. The passage and corresponding game use the same text. I always have my students read the decodable passage before they play the game. To get in repeated readings, you can choral read as a class, let students partner read, and then have students read alone.
After reading the passage and answering comprehension questions, students work with a partner to play the fun game. Students roll 2 dice, add the numbers, and then read the corresponding sentence. Students cover numbers that match the just read sentence. The winner is the student who has the most number circles covered. This quick and easy game is a fun way to improve student reading fluency.
Students can play other fluency building games as well, such as “Word Bingo” which helps reinforce common words and add them to students’ sight word vocabularies.
Timed reading races can also help improve fluency. Challenge students to read a passage as quickly as they can without sacrificing comprehension. As they aim to beat their previous times, fluency naturally improves.
Reader’s Theater
Bring stories to life by organizing reader’s theater sessions. Divide students into characters and have them read aloud their lines with expression. This activity not only improves fluency but also enhances comprehension and confidence. Plus, “performing” can be really fun!
TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) has a bunch of free reader’s theater scripts. Type Reader’s Theater in the search box, select your grade level and choose free. Here are hundreds of free first-grade scripts.
Choral Reading
Encourage students to read a passage or poem together as a group. Choral reading fosters a sense of community and allows students to hear fluent reading patterns, improving their own fluency in the process.
Partner Reading
Pair up students with similar reading levels and have them take turns reading to each other. This strategy not only makes reading more enjoyable but also provides peer support for challenging words.
Another fun option is to pair your students with younger students for a “Buddy” reading time. Students will love being the “big kids” reading to younger students. For example, second graders could read to Kindergarten students. The second graders must choose a text and practice, practice, practice reading. Your students will have lots of repeated readings!
Read-alouds and Audio Books
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to build reading fluency in young children is to read aloud to them regularly. Choose books with engaging stories and colorful illustrations. Reading aloud not only exposes children to new vocabulary and concepts but also models proper pronunciation, intonation, and expression. Encourage your students to ask questions and discuss the story, fostering a deeper understanding of the text.
Another great idea is to introduce your students to audiobooks. Listening to well-narrated stories or informative content helps them understand pacing, expression, and proper pronunciation.
Phonics and Decoding Strategies
Phonics and decoding skills are essential components of reading fluency. Children need to learn to recognize letter sounds and patterns, which will help them sound out unfamiliar words. Phonics and decoding practice can also be fun! Use phonics games, flashcards, and engaging worksheets to reinforce these skills. By mastering phonics, early readers gain the confidence to tackle more challenging texts independently.
There are lots of fun games, such as the CVC Games below, that help students master phonics skills in a fun way. This game set can be found in the Members Only Free Resource Library.
Technology
Incorporate technology by using interactive reading apps and websites. Many platforms offer engaging activities, such as reading games, which can motivate students to practice reading fluency.
If you are a teacher, you can get ABC Mouse for free. This site is typically pretty expensive. However, if you are employed as a teacher and have a school email, you can sign up. Unfortunately, this offer does not extend to Home School teachers. I have written a post about ABC Mouse and other websites that are free to teachers.
Boom Learning is another great option. This website is one of my absolute favorites, for so many reasons. One definite reason is that it provides a fun way for students to practice and strengthen important skills, including reading fluency. If you are new to Boom Learning and Boom Cards check out Quick Start Guide for Teachers. Meanwhile, you can join the Members Only Free Resource Library to get lots of free Boom Cards. Just click the big pink button below. Here is an example of a Boom Cards deck you can find in the Free Resource Library.
Storytelling Sessions
Let your students become storytellers. Provide them with picture books and encourage them to narrate the story in their own words. This activity not only enhances fluency but also boosts creativity.
If your students are older, first or second graders, they can read aloud to their classmates. This reading aloud can boost student confidence and possibly motivate other students to read a book their peer read to them.
Book Clubs
Set up book clubs where students can choose books of interest and read them together. Schedule regular discussions to promote comprehension and encourage students to read at their own pace.
Culture of Reading
Some of this section is a repost from 8 Simple Ways to Motivate Your Elementary Reluctant Readers. While your students may not be reluctant readers, they may just need to develop their reading fluency and creating a class culture of reading can help.
Let students see you read. Let them know you like books. If students know you enjoy reading, they may want to try reading just to be like you. Younger students especially can want to be like the teacher.
Balance instructional reading with reading for enjoyment. I am the first to state that students need explicit phonics instruction that includes the daily opportunity to read decodables. Try to balance the necessary reading with time for just plain fun reading. Whenever possible, give students a choice about what they read. Let them choose books that interest them.
Use books for gifts and celebrations. I always gave my students a book at Christmas. Along with gifts, fun reading events can be class rewards. Read 4 Super Easy Ways to Get Students Excited About Books to get more information about this idea.
Instilling a love for reading will go along way in improving reading fluency. When children enjoy reading, they are more likely to practice and improve their fluency voluntarily.
Conclusion
Improving reading fluency in elementary students can be both fun and effective when teachers incorporate engaging activities into their lessons. By using these ten creative strategies, teachers can inspire a lifelong love for reading while helping their students become more fluent readers. Remember, the key is to make reading enjoyable, and with these ideas, you’re well on your way to achieving that goal. Happy reading!