Fluency
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts2/audio/ELA2B_36.5_pg7_1.mp3
Monitor rate, expression, and intonation.
Goal:
Goal:
Fluency is correctly reading the words to a
story, smoothly and with expression. When you read a story,
it is important to think about your speed or flow. If you
read a story too quickly, you may skip words and not
understand the meaning. If you are reading aloud, others
might not be able to understand you. Reading too slowly can
also cause difficulty understanding the story. Your time is
spent focusing on saying the words. Reading the words should
be automatic. This is not something that just happens
overnight. We learn patterns and strategies, and we memorize
words to help build our fluency.Who do you enjoy hearing a story read by? What makes him
or her fun to listen to? It is not enough to just read
stories aloud at a good speed. You need expression as well.
Expression
is how you say a line. If the sentence is an exclamation,
you would say it as if you are excited. Think about how the
character feels and what is happening in a story. If a
character is whispering in a library, you would not yell the
lines. If there is a comma or period, pause for a second
before continuing.
- Record yourself reading the text below.
- In the recording, practice reading using the punctuation.
- Read using appropriate expression.
Back inside the classroom, Maria's teacher gathered the
students in a circle. Then, she said, "It's time." Maria
was not sure what Mrs. Galvan meant, but all the other
kids seemed to know. Each one went to his or her desk.
They were getting something.
"I don't know what we're supposed to be doing," Maria
said.
"You will," said Mrs. Galvan with a smile.
One by one, Maria's classmates came back to the front of
the classroom. Each student handed Maria a card. Mrs.
Galvan said, "Maria, we wanted to help you with your
transition to your new school. Each of your friends made
you a card. Inside is his or her address. Each student
also wrote you a special message. When you feel sad or
lonely, read a card. Remember that you have a lot of
friends who will always be here for you. We know you
will make a lot of great new friends at your new school,
but we want you to remember us, too."
Now it's your turn! Practice reading the story aloud.
Using the audio recording software of your choice, record
yourself reading the passage on your own. Then, submit it to
your teacher for a grade.