READING FLUENCY
Assessment of reading fluency
Reading fluency can be calculated informally using a stopwatch and counting the number of words read in a certain period, typically a minute. If the child/young person is able to read at a speed of 90 words per minute (wpm) in Key Stage 2 and above, then this is deemed fluent enough to allow them to understand what they are reading. Fluent reading gives an indication of secure word knowledge. Measures of text level reading can yield information not only about reading accuracy but also about fluency.
Running records
These can be used to measure the pace at which a child is reading. The reader reads their book whilst the listener notes how many words are read in 1 minute.
This text was read at a speed of 143 words per minute. This reading by a Year 4 child would be regarded as fluent.
To measure a child or young person’s reading speed ask them to read a text naturally, use a 10x10 grid if they are not too fast a reader:
Running Record of Reading Success
Name: Date:
Book:
Natural reading
No. of words read in 1 minute=
Then encourage them to read quicker: Let’s see how fast you can get!
Speed reading
Reading accuracy percentage: (No. of words correct out of 100)
If the children are very quick at reading you may find it easier to make tallies of all the words read.
A few word reading tests include measures of fluency:
· The NARA
· YARC
Research carried out in the United States has identified the average fluency levels children read at different ages:
Year Group / Autumn term / Spring Term / Summer Term2 / 5-10 / 10-50 / 30-90
3 / 30-80 / 50-100 / 70-130
4 / 50-110 / 70-120 / 80-140
5 / 70-120 / 80-130 / 90-140
6 / 80-130 / 90-140 / 100-150
7 / 90-140 / 100-150 / 110-160
8 / 100-150 / 110-160 / 120-170
If comparing children/young people in your class caution must be exercised as these are American norms adapted from Rasinski and Padak’s research (2005a, 2005b).
E:Dyslexia\Dyslexia Assessment and Guidance \Reading Fluency 2017