#1stchat Archive
Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
Sunday April 3, 2016
Lindsey here from Alberta, Canada (gr 1)!
Hello and welcome to ! I'm Val from Michigan and I'm moderating solo tonight. Please introduce yourself & tell where you are from.
Hi Lindsey, glad you are here.
Hi Cassie, glad to see you tonight.
Hi Terry, glad you are here.
Hello! Derek from PA! Glad to be here!
Hi Traci from KS here, excited to chat with everyone
Hi Traci, glad to see you.
Hello friends. Lori checking in from a warm and sunny MO.
Hi Derek, glad you are here.
Hi Lori, glad it's warm where you are. I'm freezing!
Hi ! Becky, 1st grade teacher from PA.
Hello Jamie from Pennsylvania here, joining in on my first twitter chat! Excited to connect and chat!
Hi Becky, glad you are here.
Hi Jamie! Glad you connected! Happy to see a first timer!
It may not be tomorrow. Hard to tell.
Welcome Jamie, this is a great choice for a first chat. Always a favorite. https://t.co/sguZjFyDHq
Hello Jamie from Pennsylvania here, joining in on my first twitter chat! Excited to connect and chat!
Jamie, it was my first time last chat! You'll love it =)
Cody from Kansas. Love these chats!!
We are using a Q1 and A1 format again tonight. Please follow me so you can see the questions as they are tweeted.
how do you pronounce your last name? My ss and I keep guessing?
Hi Cody, glad you are here.
Hi Everybody, Claire here from Vermont. Brrrr it's chilly here! Happy to be here with all of you tonight in the best PLN.
haha! kuh-newt-son (think I got that right ;)
Hi Claire, glad you are here.
Hi all! Sara from Wi. In and out tonight.
Hey everyone, I am Shelbee! I am a student at Oklahoma state university to be a special education teacher for elem Ed
Hi Sara, glad to see you.
Tonight's topic is Reading Fluency in the primary classroom.
Q1 What is reading fluency? Please define.
Hi! I am Tiffany from Georgia Gwinnett College. I am an ECED Student, hoping to teach 1st Grade.
A1: Reading fluency is reading at a natural speaking speed while using expression and intonation.
welcome back! Glad you were able to come again. rocks!
fluency is the ability to read with good expression, understand what's read, not always the speed we test
A1 Reading fluency is when decoding becomes automatic while also using correct expression.
A1 Reading fluency is the ability to read with expression, proper speed, and accuracy!
A1: Ability to read at an appropriate pace, with intonation/expression, accuracy https://t.co/8tQqSy6rDl
Q1 What is reading fluency? Please define.
A1 use of phrasing, expression, intonation, rate of reading to help add to the meaning of a text
A1: reading fluency is reading like you talk with expression
A:1 ss are able to read with accuracy and expression. Using reading/decoding strategies efficiently and effectively.
A1 Reading fluency is the ability to read word accurately with expression at a constant rate.
A1 Fluency is more than speed & accuracy. Fluency is pacing, phrasing, reading punctuation cues, expression & intonation.
welcome Tiffany! is an awesome PLN and an awesome grade to teach!
Yes, understanding is key.
A2 Reading not only accurately, but also with appropriate expression.
A1 Reading with expression, intonation, and phrasing and sounding like a conversation.
yes. There is a difference that should be acknowledged.
Yes, sounding like a conversation and not speed reading.
hello and all the 1st-ies.
A1: Define fluency as it should be or what it's become in the current educational climate?
Q2 Why is fluency important for readers?
I think we should always look at what is should be. https://t.co/ECNDwPnMLX
A1: Define fluency as it should be or what it's become in the current educational climate?
good fluency leads to good comprehension and being able to read to learn things
A2: Our main goal is to comprehend. If Ss are spending mental energy on decoding, little left for comprehension.
A2 Proper fluency simply allows the reader to enjoy reading, as well as boost comprehension!
A2 Fluency supports meaning construction and helps students comprehend the text.
A2 The more fluent Ss become, the more brainpower they can dedicate to comprehending a text.
I agree but sadly speed seems to be emphasized at the expense of comprehension...at least, in my experience.
A2: when Ss are fluent they are able to change from learning to read to, reading to learn.
A2 using proper phrasing and expression helps with understanding the text also helps determine author's purpose
A2: Ss can demonstrate understanding through expression https://t.co/ErcB9zpLyH
Q2 Why is fluency important for readers?
A2 Fluency is important because it helps with comprehension.
A2: A fluent reader who is using expression, looking at punctuation and intonation, they will have a stronger ability to think.
Fluency is required to comprehend what is read. Since comprehension is the overall goal, fluency is essential.
So true! https://t.co/8sAFP5Xf6N
Fluency is required to comprehend what is read. Since comprehension is the overall goal, fluency is essential.
Sometimes we must buck the "system" and do what is right. https://t.co/ywVoik4IHf
I agree but sadly speed seems to be emphasized at the expense of comprehension...at least, in my experience.
A2: Fluency also makes reading more enjoyable.
A2 Fluency is important for comprehension, but also for the pure enjoyment of the text which then helps comprehension.
I am so with you on this! We need to have the courage to stand up for our students.
I love this time of year when my Ss are so excited about reading!!!
https://t.co/gdh6ehzZtb
A2: Fluency also makes reading more enjoyable.
I love this time of the year. This is when are first graders can really focus on fluency.
A2: Comprehension leads to application and transformation of concepts when Ss read fluently https://t.co/ErcB9zpLyH
Q2 Why is fluency important for readers?
So true, our fluent readers are more likely to enjoy their reading. https://t.co/aqou9PUJWJ
A2 Proper fluency simply allows the reader to enjoy reading, as well as boost comprehension!
Agree with all the reasons! Will add that fluency also brings increased enjoyment of rdg. 😊
I have to take off, but I'm excited to check back later!
A2: True fluency bridges the gap between decoding and reading.
https://t.co/kX5w6AYLRy
Q2 Why is fluency important for readers?
Fluent readers are usually strong with phonics as well...they are getting the code.
Enjoyment means natural growth.
Preaching to the choir...I agree. My kids are gobbling up books like candy.
https://t.co/eZJ4uFylBI
I love this time of year when my Ss are so excited about reading!!!
https://t.co/gdh6ehzZtb
A2: Fluency also makes reading more enjoyable.
Q3 What issues/challenges have you encountered related to fluency?
A3 I wrote the same thing then scrolled down and saw yours...
A3: I have had ss that read fluently but not comprehension, that's tough.,other Ss have phonics skills but struggle to put together
A3: The system has some thinking to push for "fast" reading. Ss see a timer and just want to read as many words as they can.
A3 I still have a couple of kiddos who are not fluent at all. Still sounding out 3-letter words. Just hasn't clicked yet for them.
A3: also the gap in readers at this age is so big
A3: Ss who struggle with speech... expressive and receptive.
A3: Early on their "expression" makes me laugh, without meaning they just add any ole expression.
A4 Ss are able to read accurately, but have trouble with speed and knowing how to use expression/intonation.
yes...the struggles of being a first grader!
Checking out what's going on Beautiful LA weather Tweeting while son is driving doing errands
Yes, and it's tough to get parents to understand that they sound fluent but are often not comprehending.
A3: Ss sometimes have difficulty transitioning from pointing to ea word to smooth tracking, to no tracking https://t.co/sNHYMaFlS9
Q3 What issues/challenges have you encountered related to fluency?
A3 Choppy reading, speed reading, and finger pointing are challenges that impact fluency and require fluency support.
A3: Need more time/resources/support but still seeing growth...disheartening still always hopeful https://t.co/NjQCtyexrs
Q3 What issues/challenges have you encountered related to fluency?
A3: Agree with answers so far, in addition teaching students to use cues from punctuation
A3 It's a challenge to have Ss practice.....rereading helps with fluency...Ss don't like to reread anything.
A3: Phrasing seems the more difficult to teach.
use voice changing apps or sock puppets for repeated readings, makes it more fun
Yes, but at least they realize it needs to be there. Just don't know how to do it yet.
Reader's Theater is the answer to this. https://t.co/1oKM5SquYb
A3 It's a challenge to have Ss practice.....rereading helps with fluency...Ss don't like to reread anything.
I agree...I just always finding the early stages cute/funny https://t.co/c5KTZ9IPTn
Yes, but at least they realize it needs to be there. Just don't know how to do it yet.
Great ideas! Love to pick up hints & use them with my kids.
Key word "Yet". https://t.co/VA4i73VOFd
A3 I still have a couple of kiddos who are not fluent at all. Still sounding out 3-letter words. Just hasn't clicked yet for them.
Yes- yet! I know they'll get there eventually. Some kids' skills just develop later
That's what I want them to know. Don't need to worry about it, it will come.
my biggest struggle as a 1st T. we don't always see the results of our efforts, but know Ss will get it! https://t.co/VEGc09geSR
Yes- yet! I know they'll get there eventually. Some kids' skills just develop later
Thanks Traci.....great ideas for repeated readings.
A3 that is my greatest challenge this time of year.
I feel like they have decided now that they don't have to sound out words they don't have to track. Track please.
Get ready for Q4! Best Q of the night!
Q4 What practices or instructional strategies do you use to support reading fluency?
Right now my fluency range is 6wpm - 133 wpm. Sheesh!
We can feel so down @ this but sometimes it just takes kids longer. It's a range of dev.
I use read naturally for ss almost there, repeated readings, phonics & phonics for others, praise and encouragment, practice
That app is AWESOME! My Ss have so much fun with it. https://t.co/M8aDfyFnj9
use voice changing apps or sock puppets for repeated readings, makes it more fun
A4: My morning work is reader's theater. They practice every day and I send home a copy.
A4 I have students record AND listen to themselves. They have to critique in order to make improvements.
A4 Book introductions are important and help to put meaning of book in head of the reader.
Oh yes. I pull out a reader's theater script and they are all over it.
A4: They perform for our class and then they great ones go out and perform for others. Ss give compliments.
We even do Reader's Theater over Skype with other classes.
My first graders loved doing the one for Green Eggs and Ham! https://t.co/7J22z3xH0a
A4: They perform for our class and then they great ones go out and perform for others. Ss give compliments.
A4: Kids set their own goals; range of materials; use special bean bag chairs; celebrate successes
https://t.co/VIm41LvPau
Q4 What practices or instructional strategies do you use to support reading fluency?
I need to let them go out...
Yikes, almost totally forgot about . Better late than never?
A4 the strategy I often use is to have students practice with an easier text that Ss don't have to decode every word.
A4 readers theater, fluency tutor app, seesaw to record and listen to reading, re-readings of text with explicit instruction
that's a great idea! Skype and Readers Theater!
We also use Great Leaps as an intervention. Graphing, repeated reading, setting goals.
A4 We use Raz Kids which allows kids to record and listen to themselves read.
A4 Shared reading experiences with Big Books, during guided reading, and one-on-on provide great opportunities to focus on fluency.
A4 Rereading, reader's theater, reading to a partner, or a stuffed animals, listening to themselves read via an app.
my ss love graphing their cold and hot reads and set goals for themselves I have 5th grade buddies help https://t.co/zNchTGtvda
We also use Great Leaps as an intervention. Graphing, repeated reading, setting goals.
So do we. They love that app. I think it has helped a great deal.
A4 I have an addiction to good books for my students which means they have books they love to read at their fingertips.
A4 Fluency Practice: Using familiar books that students have read before to focus on fluency.
A4 another strategy is to choose a topic that the S likes for more motivation to sound "smarter" while they read.
Reading with a partner is a big hit with my students.
It's awesome! I love how you can set individual reading levels.
so sad missed most chat.We have been spring cleaning out toys.❤️ whisper phones, buddy reading, & recordings for fluency.
I know. And I can listen to them when I get home or on plan time. I get to here more Ss in a day.
A4 We have Poetry Notebooks with familiar poems and songs in them. Parent often tell me how much their first grader enjoys them.
A4 I also use Reading Strategies book. Amazing things in there for all reading strategies including fluency
I love
s resources for fluency
I give my students every opportunity I can to read as well. They'd be mad if they didn't get uninterrupted time for reading.
A4: my homework is leveled books and ss read it each night and do some type of comprehension with it for Friday-again repeated read
We love partner reading using Poetry Notebooks. Then I pick a partnership to read fave poem to class.
How could I forget this...utmost importance. Let them READ! https://t.co/vVeh3C5O5g
I give my students every opportunity I can to read as well. They'd be mad if they didn't get uninterrupted time for reading.
They do love to read to the class.
I send my students around school reading to whoever is available.
A4: Reader's theatre, partner reading texts, poems, reading in funny voices, familiar texts https://t.co/kPtZyuuyWS
Q4 What practices or instructional strategies do you use to support reading fluency?
Crazy right! Not so much. My students love to read. They ask for reading time.
A4: Novelites... we have witchy fingers to switch from pointing to sliding and then we switch to "magic glasses"
Love it! https://t.co/VlhCxHUo4B
A4: Novelites... we have witchy fingers to switch from pointing to sliding and then we switch to "magic glasses"
Q5 What are some tools and resources you find useful in supporting your fluency instruction?
A4 Flashlights are always great too! Brings a calm to the room.
We do this too- principal, librarian, anyone I can find that may be open! THey love bragging about their reading!
A4 Cut up sentences to help with phrasing is another good practice.
One of our PBIS incentives is a coupon to read to another class.
A5: books, digital and text- all levels and types
a5: We forget the simple answer of rereading! Love have Ss work in pairs to coach & give feedback
have you ever tried the finger lights, work great for students to use as pointing to the text and frees up a hand
A4- Magic glasses r the best- they are real glasses w/ the lenses removed. Kids LOVE wearing them & think they really work. LOL
A5 One of best tools is lots and lots of good quality familiar books students can read.
A5: Florida Center for sure! Speedy phrases are great for Ss to time & record themselves on so can see & hear progress.
I haven't yet. My students have brought in their own flashlights and I have a table lap for those who don't.
A5 We read and reread and reread our fluency passages- I even have students record themselves with the Audacity app!
A4 Important to have child monitor and repair lack of fluency. Let them do the work!
I ❤️ this idea! Thanks for sharing ! https://t.co/UT9TWnMz8I
A4- Magic glasses r the best- they are real glasses w/ the lenses removed. Kids LOVE wearing them & think they really work. LOL
Most of my students are also at or quite beyond grade level with a real love for reading. I <3 to buy books for them.
A5 - I keep adding to my collection of Piggy and Elephant books. The kiddos can't read enough of those!
A5- Have Ss record themselved to listen to how they sound. Are you smooth or rdg like a robot? Very eye opening to hear themselves.
A4 Reading and rereading opportunities. My students love our fluency poems and having me videotape them with hand motions.
When we rearranged the room a month ago what they wanted to do when they walked in was read in the new spaces.
A5: Also, shovels or ice cream scoops to scoop up chunks words & move from robot to story telling voice. Practice w whisper phones.
A5 Having the kids read their writing helps with this. Also creating photo stories and such.
that's my class this year as well. It's been amazing but has it's own set of challenges
A5 My latest reading tool is the scoop rocker seat......My kiddos love them and read much longer than before. Under $5 at Walmart
The Wal-Mart by me doesn't have them. I'm hoping they will soon. Grrr...
Grrr.. still waiting for my Walmart to get them in. Fingers crossed they show up sometime this summer! :-)
Love these! Just did a blog post about and the scoop rockers being the favorite choice.
I am so jealous I can't find these ANYWHERE!!
Aldi also had some around me.
I will check ours. (fingers crossed). Thanks
I teach ESL and these are SO great for them, too! Helps them to get started, feels less overwhelming.
So sorry you can't get them yet. They I changed the dynamic of my whole classroom. I need more than 6
Wow! Where did the time go? Thanks everyone for another amazing chat and sharing so many great resources. You guys are the best!
Maybe that will be what I look for on vacation.
WEll knowing that, I may have to stock up when they arrive! Do they stack nicely??
