• Fluency Tips:

    What kids can do to help themselves

    • Track the words with your finger as a parent or teacher reads a passage aloud. Then you read it.
    • Have a parent or teacher read aloud to you. Then, match your voice to theirs.
    • Read your favorite books and poems over and over again. Practice getting smoother and reading with expression.

    What parents can do to help at home

    • Support and encourage your child. Realize that he or she is likely frustrated by reading.
    • If your child can decode words well, help him or her build speed and accuracy by:
      • Reading aloud and having your child match his voice to yours
      • Having your child practice reading the same list of words, phrases, or short passages several times
      • Reminding your child to pause between sentences and phrases
    • Read aloud to your child to provide an example of how fluent reading sounds.
    • Give your child books with predictable vocabulary and clear rhythmic patterns so the child can "hear" the sound of fluent reading as he or she reads the book aloud.
    • Use books on tapes; have the child follow along in the print copy.

    Source: http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/fluency


    Comprehension Tips:

    What kids can do to help themselves

    • Use outlines, maps, and notes when you read.
    • Make flash cards of key terms you might want to remember.
    • Read stories or passages in short sections and make sure you know what happened before you continue reading.
    • Ask yourself, "Does this make sense?" If it doesn't, reread the part that didn't make sense.
    • Read with a buddy. Stop every page or so and take turns summarizing what you've read.
    • Ask a parent or teacher to preview a book with you before you read it on your own.
    • As you read, try to form mental pictures or images that match the story.

    What parents can do to help at home

    • Hold a conversation and discuss what your child has read. Ask your child probing questions about the book and connect the events to his or her own life. For example, say "I wonder why that girl did that?" or "How do you think he felt? Why?" and "So, what lesson can we learn here?"
    • Help your child make connections between what he or she reads and similar experiences he has felt, saw in a movie, or read in another book.
    • Help your child monitor his or her understanding. Teach her to continually ask herself whether she understands what she's reading.
    • Help your child go back to the text to support his or her answers.
    • Discuss the meanings of unknown words, both those he reads and those he hears.
    • Read material in short sections, making sure your child understands each step of the way.
    • Discuss what your child has learned from reading informational text such as a science or social studies book.

    Source: http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/comprehension