Edok: Developing Fluent Readers

Adyson Conley

APA Reference
Peebles, J. L. (2007). Incorporating movement with fluency instruction: A motivation for
struggling readers. The Reading Teacher,60(6), 578-581.

Main Idea
Incorporating the element of movement in conjunction with fluency instruction can help to
motivate readers all around (struggling, disabilities, etc.). Students have the ability to
increase compression skills and fluidity by moving their body while orally reading.

Supporting Details
Two fluency strategies that involve some type of movement with the instruction,
study of grades 2-6, include: Readers Theatre and Rhythm Walks.

Readers Theatre is a concept that incorporates movement, gesture, expression and
action towards an audience.

Rhythm Walks help to draw the attention to break and phrasing within the text, by
purposely using stepping movements. The walks help with fluidity, appropriate
speed and natural phrasing of a text.

The six (6) essential elements of Rhythm Walks:
1. Choose a short and engaging text.
2. Chunk words into manageable sizes.
3. Write the letters big (approx. 1-1 in)
4. First model for students.
5. Let students take over (stand back and just watch).
6. Go back to the original text.

Movement and fluency instruction, together, enhance the brains capacity to learn.
It also holds the motivational appeal to endure intensive/extensive repeated
reading methods.


Reflection
The Incorporating movement with fluency instruction article is a great resource
for all elementary teachers. What I liked best about this article was the fact that the two
strategies provided not only help students with disabilities and struggling readers, but also
the more proficient readers. This is a whole group activity and can help further build
community. The two suggested strategies were: Readers Theatre and Rhythm Walks.
Each activity incorporates some type of movement whether it is motion, walking, gestures
or expressions. Incorporating some type of motion while practicing fluency will further
help the student to read at a more appropriate speed, use natural phrasing and read with
more fluidity. Readers Theatre and Rhythm Walks are proven strategies that engage
students and ultimately improve a students comprehension skill and oral reading. These
activities also help with the motivational factor to participate in repeated readings.
Students would much rather get up and move versus sitting at their desk. I will most
definitely be using the strategy of incorporating movement with fluency instruction in my
future classroom!