Working with English Language Learners

Read and Reread

For kindergartners who need practice with fluency.

One reason children like to hear the same story again and again is their desire to become independent in the telling, or "reading," of the story. Just like the other elements important to children's reading acquisition, fluency also needs to be practiced.

Take time to reread books that interest kindergarten children. When rereading a book there are three important strategies that you can use to help a child develop fluency.

First, ask questions about the book prior to rereading, in order to discover the child's interests and any questions he may have.

Adult: "Tell me about your favorite parts of this story, Steven."

Steven: "I like all the parts that I get to say with you when you read."

Adult: "You’re good at those parts. Here is one of the pages that we read together. Can you read it to me?"

Steven; "Chicka, chicka boom boom is there enough room?"

Adult: "Great!" (Pointing to each word) "Chicka, chicka boom boom will there be enough room? Try it with me."

Adult and Steven: "Chicka, chicka boom boom will there be enough room?”"

Second, when you have discovered which parts of the book are interesting to the child, take extra care when reading those sections; slow down, emphasize your reading, and point out the written words carefully. Modeling accurate, effortless reading helps children understand fluent reading.

Finally, encourage the child to participate in the reading of the book. Are there repeated phrases that the child can read alone or in unison with you? Try reading alternating sentences or pages of the book, first you, then the child.

At this stage children may not be reading each word on the page. Much of what they know may come from their memory. Your job is to support them in connecting the words with the print and to provide a model of fluent reading. So read, read, read—even if you have to read the same book over and over again!

This information was produced by the National Center for Family Literacy for use on www.thinkfinity.org, a powerful educational platform supported by the Verizon Foundation. This information is in the public domain and may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes without permission.