Reading Fluency and the Five Finger Test

During our reading block we have had two very important focus lessons. The first being that readers use fluency. We discussed that when we read it should sound as if we are talking with one another in a conservation. Our words connect, there are not many pauses or breaks between words. A fun way to practice this is by choosing a silly voice to read in, maybe a leprechaun voice! The children also have several props they can use to listen to themselves read, a plastic microphone (this is really just for kicks) and little phones made specifically for hearing the echo of your voice come back in
your ear.So when reading at home with your child, remind them to use their fluency!

The next focus lesson was about choosing a "just right" book. We practice done way to determine if our books are too hard, too easy, or just right! Begin with a closed fist for the first page of your book. For each word you do not know or cannot sound out you will hold up a finger. If you have 5 fingers up after the first page or less if there are only 2 or sentences per page, then the book is too hard. If you can speed read through the page it might be too easy. It is okay to read easy and challenging books sometimes? OF COURSE! I love to read my magazines that do not challenge my brain haha. However, in order to grow as  a reader we want to be reading "just right" books the majority of the time.