Fluency in Reading and Math

Reading Fluency is  the ability to decode text with speed, accuracy, and the appropriate expression.

Reading fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and reading comprehension. Since fluent readers don't have to concentrate on decoding the actual words, they can focus their attention on what the text actually means. They can make mental connections throughout the text, as well as apply those connections to their personal backgrounds and experiences.

 
Simply, fluent readers recognize the words and comprehend their overall meaning at the same time. 

Math Fact Fluency is the ability to recall the answers to basic math facts automatically and without hesitation. Educators and scientists agree that the ability to recall basic math facts fluently is necessary for students to attain higher-order math skills. In other words,  if students develop rapid, effortless, and error-less recall of basic math facts, it leaves their attention and memory available to attack more complicated problems such as long division.

What is  basic fact fluency? Being able to add and subtract within 20 and multiply and divide within 100.

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What Can You Do to Help?  

Read with your children! No matter their age here are six reasons to read aloud daily with your child:

1. Reading aloud to your child provides an example of how fluent reading sounds.
2. Improving vocabulary improves reading and writing.  
3. It opens up new worlds for you and your children.
4. It’s a conversation starter, and a great way to talk about emotional health.
5. It can lead to a lifelong love of reading. 
6. Time spent together is always worthwhile.

Encourage Math Fact Practice! The more our students practice, the more they learn.

Here are a few ways to keep it fun:

1. Multiplication War:  Players each draw two cards from a deck, then multiply/add them together. The player with the largest product/sum wins the round.
2. Dice: Students roll two dice, then multiply/add the 2 numbers they rolled together.
3. Dominoes: Draw a domino that is face down.  Multiply/add the dots on either side of the domino together.
4. Number Draw (Great car game for everyone, excluding the driver of course!): Two players put their hands behind their backs. On the count of three, partners draw and show fingers. The first person to say the correct product/sum wins the round.
5. License Plate Math: Using numbers from the car in front of you, add/multiply the two largest numbers, find the difference between two numbers, look for patterns etc.

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