Fluency

Fluent readers are able to read orally with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Fluency is one of several critical factors necessary for reading comprehension. Despite its importance as a component of skilled reading, fluency is often neglected in the classroom. This is unfortunate. If text is read in a laborious and inefficient manner, it will be difficult for the child to remember what has been read and to relate the ideas expressed in the text to his or her background knowledge. Recent research on the efficacy of certain approaches to teaching fluency has led to increased recognition of its importance in the classroom and to changes in instructional practices.

Reading practice is generally recognized as an important contributor to fluency. Two instructional approaches, each of which has several variations, have typically been used to teach reading fluency. One, guided repeated oral reading, encourages students to read passages orally with systematic and explicit guidance and feedback from the teacher. The other, independent silent reading, encourages students to read silently on their own, inside and outside the classroom, with minimal guidance or feedback.

Reader's Theater Scripts

Reader's theater is a great way to help improve oral fluency and motivation in students.  It is not meant to be a big, elaborate production, but rather an informal reading to practice intonation and fluency.  Some teachers have a box of props available in case the younger students want to get into character, but this is not required.  Reader's Theater can be incorporated into a center or can take the place of guided reading (if the goalis to improve fluency).  It's a fun way to teach reading and your students will love practicing their parts.  Some teachers make up their own scripts with the class.  I have found many great sites and organized them in a user friendly way.  Feel free to check the links below and have fun!

Lots of scripts geared for grades 3-6

Scroll down to the middle of this site and you'll see scripts for some popular literature such as Dog Breath, Stellaluna, and many Fairy Tales!

 

Short Scripts that would be good at a center

 

Excellent site with many interesting scripts grades 1-5

More Scripts! 

Videos on young children through high school performing reader's theater scripts! If you are a visual learner this is the site for you!

Shorter primary scripts

Margie Palatini scripts for Piggie Pie!, Bad Boys, The Web Files, and Earthquack! Great for an author study!

Grade 4 and up -more scripts!