Fluency and Spelling FUN!

The weather has been absolutely beautiful lately. One afternoon, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, the class read their fluency booklets outside. It is a simple way to help children get fresh air, meet sensory needs, and, of course, practice fluency. Becoming a fluent reader takes practice, a lot of it. Fluency is not just reading accurately, it’s about reading with expression (not sounding like a robot), the correct pace, and following the punctuation marks. Reading is teamwork, it takes everyone - the student, their parents, and me to ensure that the children are practicing their reading skills and working on fluency.

Research has proven again and again that students retain information better when multiple modes of learning are used. A child will remember something they built with more detail than something they had to write 10 times. So, to help them study this week’s spelling words, I had them build them out of playdough. This activity not only helps them study their spelling words, but it strengthens their fine motor skills. First the children had to roll out skinny “snakes” and then build their spelling words. Such a simple and fun way to study and exercise those tiny hand muscles.

Up next are temple projects! Fall is full of exciting activities!!

Mrs. Gordon