Unlocking Fluency: The Power of Decodable Texts for Young Readers
Teach, Read, Succeed: Ask the Expert
Are you wondering what types of text are best for your beginning reader? How you can help your child read more fluently? These tips will help you choose texts that are appropriate for your child, and work toward more fluent reading, which will ultimately help your child with comprehension!
What texts are best for beginning readers?
When I talk about beginning readers, I mean roughly ages 4 or 5 up to 8, but any reader who is working on foundational reading skills will benefit from something called decodable text. Decodable books are written with specific spelling patterns that align to what your child has been taught. This means that if your child has learned only short vowels and all of the consonants, the most appropriate decodable text would have only words with short vowels and consonant sounds.
Why decodable? Many picture books have more challenging words that are great for building vocabulary, but that young readers are not able to read independently. Decodable books provide an opportunity for children to practice the sounds they are learning, while reading. Being able to give your child a book that they can read is a boost for their confidence and excitement.
Bob Books and Primary Phonics are a great options for beginning readers!
How can I help my child read fluently?
Reading fluency means the ability to make reading sound like speaking. Eventually we want reading aloud to sound smooth, and we want children to be able to read with expression, or emotion. This is the way that reading and speaking sounds a little different when we read a statement compared to a question compared to an exclamation.
Try it! Read the sentences and notice how you read each of them a little differently
The cat is on the couch.
Where is the cat?
Wait! The cat ran outside!
Model Fluent Reading
Read to your child, and let them hear how your reading sounds smooth and similar to talking. Talk to your child about how your reading sounds different depending on whether you’re reading a statement, question, or exclamation.
Repeated Reading
Have your child read the same decodable text more than once. This will help them to practice putting the sounds that they have learned together. As a child reads the same text more than once, they will be able to read it more fluently and with more expression. It is important to choose a book that your child can read independently for the maximum benefit.
An important note: if a child is still is sounding out most words, we cannot expect them to read sentences fluently. Reading words automatically (without sounding them out) is a step toward fluent reading. Be sure to encourage your child to read accurately during this stage.
Practicing the sounds in isolation and in words will help your child to build their ability to decode more automatically, but reading phrases, sentences, and books is important at this stage too.
Are you looking to empower your child with strong reading skills, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our Building Blocks for Confident Readers here!
Brittany is an educator and doula, fueled by her passions in teaching and supporting families. She supports families whether from birth through childhood.
Contact Courageous Moments to learn how she can help you and your child on your parenting and reading journey.