Category: Reading

Embark on an Adventure: The Magic of Reading Skills!

Posted on by — Leave a comment
magicofreadingskillsblogheader

Hey there, fellow educators and book enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to our hearts – the enchanting world of reading skills! Picture this: books that open doors to knowledge, imagination, and a whole lot of fun! As teachers, we know the value of nurturing strong reading abilities in our students. So, grab your favorite cuppa, and let’s explore the wonderful world of reading and how our secret weapon, the Reading Skills Bump It Up Wall, can sprinkle some magic into our classrooms!

1. Let’s Talk and Connect!

Reading skills aren’t just about mumbling words; they’re the key to unlocking exciting conversations! When our students can read fluently and understand what they’re reading, they can communicate their thoughts, dreams, and creative ideas with ease. And let’s be honest, nothing brings more joy than witnessing a student share their adventures through captivating storytelling!

2. Adventure into Curious Minds!

Picture this: a curious bunch of young minds, heads buried in books, and their imagination soaring high! Reading skills ignite the spark of curiosity and ignite critical thinking. They transform our students into problem-solving wizards who can tackle anything that comes their way – from decoding challenging texts to exploring the mysteries of the universe!

3. Empathy – the Superpower of Kindness!

Books are magical portals that transport readers to new worlds and perspectives. Through the enchanting tales they read, our students can walk in the shoes of fascinating characters and embrace empathy like never before. They learn to understand others, celebrate diversity, and become kind-hearted superheroes of compassion!

4. Academic Quests and Beyond!

Ahoy, aspiring scholars! Strong reading skills aren’t just for acing exams; they’re your secret weapon for conquering all academic quests! With their reading prowess, students can devour complex subjects, absorb information like sponges, and excel in all their studies. The adventure of knowledge awaits them, and they’re all set to embrace it!

5. The Never-ending Quest for Learning!

Once the reading bug bites, there’s no turning back! When our students develop a love for reading, they embark on a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. Books become their faithful companions, guiding them through every chapter of life, and lighting up their path to success in whatever they choose to pursue.

Hey, magical beings of education, ready for a big surprise? Introducing the Reading Skills Bump It Up Wall – the ultimate guide to elevate your students’ reading skills and make learning one fantastic adventure!

With this fantastic display, you’ll have a dazzling array of tools at your fingertips. Customize it to fit your classroom’s needs, and watch as your students embark on their reading quests. The Success Criteria with optional star ratings make learning a breeze, and the graduated colors bring a splash of joy to every skill they conquer.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of reading wonders and join the adventure with the Reading Skills Bump It Up Wall! Together, let’s ignite a love for reading and lead our students towards a future filled with magic, knowledge, and endless possibilities! Happy reading! 📚✨

Reading Fluency Ideas

Posted on by

Are you looking for reading fluency tips to implement in your literacy block? Here is one of our faves.

Fluency Pairs

Are you pairing students to practice their fluency?

Fluency reading is paired reading, complemented by word lists aligned with your phonics sequence.

The words can include real and nonsense words, and all sounds should have been explicitly taught.

Why do fluency pairs?

Fluency is best practiced for short amounts of time regularly, rather than in one large block (or worse, once a week). Fluency pairs means everyone in the class reads for a set amount of time, every day.

How does fluency pairs worK?

  • The routine is quick, sharp and consistent – it takes 10 minutes. That’s it.
  • Use a timer.
  • Sudents are sorted into A or B groups, and then A + B students are paired together according to phonics knowledge (complete diagnostic assessments before pairing).
  • Use decodable readers, or short age-appropriate texts for students that can read extended code.
  • The text needs to be familiar so students are practicing fluency rather than decoding. ( I like to change texts every 2-3 days so students read the same text 3-4 times). You may even like to model reading the texts as w whole class before resading pairs.
  • Organise fluency pairs in your usual reading spot.
  • Students always sit in the same place.
  • One group reads first (As), while Bs need to read along and help if their partner gets stuck. They do this for 4mins. (or an amount of time that suits you) Then students swap and read for another 4 mins.

Practicing fluency using word lists (minimal code knowledge)

This is the same routine, however instead of reading a book, students are reading word lists. You could also reduce the time duration.

  • Students read through the list, reading the words straight away if they know the word, or sounding out if they don’t (e.g. b-e-d, bed). Their partner helps them if they get stuck on a word.
  • Take turns reading the words; down, then up, then down again; taking turns.

Setting expectations

Practice the routine and reward students for completing the routine in 10 mins.

Have an agreed set of expectations and success criteria. Our Fluency Pairs Word List resource includes handy posters to help.

Other useful activities and tips

  • Choose book at independent level (not instructional, so focus is on fluency and not decoding).
  • Students could record themselves reading on the iPad. They then listen back and see where they can improve.
  • Find free decodable readers on SPELD SA
reading fluency
Our Fluency Pairs Word List resource includes handy posters to help implement fluency pairs.