Five Steps to Fostering Reading Fluency (continued)

If you have a budding thespian on your hands, create a reader's theater script out of a favorite story. You don't need props, costumes, or even a stage! Picturebooks with two or more speaking parts work beautifully for this, but remember: if the story isn't fun, acting it out won't be, either. Making your own newscast is another activity that incorporates fluency practice. You can write short news items with your child, or use simplified versions of stories from the day's paper.

5. Use Books on CD
Audio books are a great resource because they're typically read by professional actors who focus on creating drama and movement with their voices—just the kind of expressive modeling kids need. In addition, books on CD can be especially useful as an independent-learning tool for older children who still struggle with reading, but wouldn't be caught dead sitting down to a practice session with a parent.

Here are the steps Wise suggests: "Select a portion of a book on tape or CD (or a portion that you read aloud). Have the child follow along as he listens to the selection being read. Then let him try to read aloud along with you or the recording. Then, listen to his reading the passage aloud by himself." Find audio books for purchase or download at the bookstore, your local library, or an online storefront like audible.com.

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