Come join us for this episode of From Research to Recess as we dig into reading fluency… and why it is so much more than just reading fast.

Fluency is really about smooth, confident, expressive reading. It’s that moment when a child isn’t stuck on every word and can actually enjoy the story. Yes. Even our kindergarten and early first grade friends can start building this!

In this episode, we’re sharing real classroom moments, the kind that make you nod your head and think, “Yep… I’ve seen that too.” And of course, we’re talking about what actually helps.

You’ll hear simple, doable ways to support fluency, like:

• Grouping high-frequency words by spelling patterns
• Using repeated reading in a way that feels meaningful
• Pairing students together for extra support and confidence

And we sprinkle in some fun too. Whisper phones. Reader’s theater. Activities that get students excited to practice instead of avoiding it.

We also chat about how to keep an eye on progress without it taking over your day. Plus, how decodable texts and even hands-on writing can play a role in building fluency. It all works together.

Whether you’re in kindergarten, coaching teachers, or supporting students in small groups, this episode is full of ideas you can actually use right away.

Because when fluency starts to click… everything else gets a little bit easier.

• Readers Theater Scripts Decodable Partner Plays Kindergarten 1st Grade Bundle

YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG THE BOOK STUDY (AFFILIATE LINK):

⁠Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions Second Edition, New edition⁠

Where can you find us?

• Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠
• Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/