How important is oral reading fluency?

Question

My daughter is going into 4th grade, she is above grade level in everything except oral reading fluency. Her reading and comprehension is above level, she got 100% on every spelling test all year and is great at math and writing (not hand writing though LOL), she is going into the NOVA program next year. I have not made her practice oral reading a lot because she is just slightly below where a 3rd grader should be at end of year. Her teacher commented and now she is worried. Would you make her practice, I told her it is ok to not be perfect at everything. We have kept up on reading this summer and refreshed times tables and division. I do not make her read aloud because usually her younger sister is also reading at this time. What do you think?

Answer 1

The only reason I'd think about how to help is that if *she* feels like she's not up to par at reading aloud she may end up feeling nervous or embarrassed in class, which may make her come to dread reading or school or even impact the way she feels about books.  If you think that might be the case, maybe suggest she read aloud to her younger sibling? My older kids don't like reading aloud if they feel like it's some sort of test, but they're always happy to read to their younger sister or brother because they feel it's about the book, not about somebody judging how many words a minute they're reading.

Sounds like she certainly has the important stuff down!

Answer 2

I think measuring reading fluency is a product of stupid No Child Left Behind and you should not worry about it. If she has good reading COMPREHENSION that is what will matter on the SAT / ACT/ her future.  

Do not even think on it and tell her not to worry -- reading fluency is a stupid invention of the government and should not be stressing her out. Stress loving books and reading and she will be fine.

:-)

Answer 3

Reading orally is a very important skill, much like math and spelling and many of the other things in life and what they teach at school. I find a lot of students don't read properly and it is very frustrating when trying to read along and they stop at every third word. It makes me sad and angry and I pity these students but there is nothing I can do. I implore you to help your child be able to read well out loud. If a person cannot read well out loud they sound unintelligent and foolish and do not make a good impression. I'm sure she will be fine though if she continues to practice and enjoy doing so. Also could she be shy? I find a lot of students can read well silently to themselves but when they read out loud they stumble and become nervous. I hope I have helped in some way and I'm sure your daughter will grow up to be a wonderful and intelligent woman some day. Bye! ^_^ <3

Answer 4

20 or 30 words per minute below where she should be???

Sorry, way too picky here.  I thought maybe she was having a problem processing, but you are talking about the difference between an introvert and extrovert.....even less then that!

No, she is doing fine.

Answer 5

It's an important skill, but from what you're saying about your specific child, she's doing fine.  If she's doing that well in school, it's probably due in part to the fact that she's a perfectionist.  As long as you let her know YOU'RE proud of her, she'll be fine.  If she WANTS to practice, by all means let her practice.  She can read silently while her sister reads, and then she can read aloud TO her sister for some sibling bonding.  Or, you could have her practice without her knowing it's practice by having Family Stories Night in which you all take turns reading out loud.