# data[].attributes.body
Fluency means reading with accuracy, speed, and expression.

Fluent readers can focus on understanding what they read instead of decoding every word.

We can build fluency by rereading familiar texts and listening to good reading models (Reading Rockets, 2025).

# data[].attributes.body
Phonics connects the sounds we hear in words to the letters that represent them.

It teaches students how to decode written words and understand how our alphabetic system works (National Literacy Trust, n.d.).

# data[].attributes.body
Phonemic awareness means hearing, identifying, and working with the smallest sounds in spoken words, called phonemes. It is an auditory skill that prepares students to connect sounds to letters when they learn to read (Laura, 2025).

# data[].attributes.body
(Reading Rockets, 2025)

# data[].attributes.body
Say a word such as cat

Students jump once for each sound they hear: /c/ /a/ /t/.

For students with disabilities

Use two-sound words for easier practice, such as “it” and “up”.

For Advanced learners: Try words with blends or digraphs, such as “ship” or “frog,” and have them count or tap sounds if they can not jump.

# data[].attributes.body
ABCmouse – Phonemic Awareness Games

This website is great because it has interactive activities for identifying beginning and ending sounds.

“I Spy a Sound” Game (for multilingual or low-literacy families)
Encourage children at home to play “I Spy” using sounds in any language:

“I spy something that starts with /m/.” This is a great game because no reading materials needed, this helps build listening and sound awareness through play.

# data[].attributes.body
Using a fluency ladder is a simple process that gets students thinking critically about sounds, spelling patterns, and how letters work together to make words. Word ladders can target short vowels, blends, digraphs, silent e words, and more, making them a perfect fit for primary classrooms (Polston, 2025).

# data[].attributes.body
Word Family Sort

Give students picture or word cards.

Have them group words that share the same ending (rime).

Differentiation:

To Support: Use pictures and model the sounds.

For an Extension, have students write sentences using words from the same family.

# data[].attributes.body
Starfall – Free Phonics Games

Starfall offers engaging, phonics-based games for early readers.

Letter-Sound Scavenger Hunt (for families with limited resources)
Create a list of letters and have everyone at home find objects at home that begin with each letter sound.

“B is for book,” “S is for spoon.”
Requires no internet or print materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Echo Reading

The teacher reads a line aloud with expression.

Students echo the same line, matching pace and tone.

Differentiation:

Beginners: Use short, predictable sentences.

Advanced learners: Use poems or short passages that allow for expressive reading.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading Rockets – “Reading Together” Parent Guide

This website offers practical tips for modeling fluent reading and supporting at-home practice.

Free Library Audiobooks (for families facing reading or language challenges)
Families can listen to stories together and discuss them, even if adults aren’t fluent readers.

# data[].attributes.body
References

Laura. (2025). What Is Phonemic Awareness and Why Is It Important

National Literacy Trust.What Is Phonics

Polston, C. (2025). Why Word Ladders Are a Game-Changer for K–2 Phonics Practice

Reading Rockets. (2025a). Basics_ Fluency

Reading Rockets. (2025b). Phonological Awareness_ Instructional and Assessment Guidelines