Learning Companions’ Approach
🔍 Why Reading Fluency Matters
At Learning Companions, we view Reading Fluency as a gateway to independent learning. A child who reads fluently can access meaning, engage with texts deeply, and build confidence in their learning journey. Therefore, assessing and nurturing reading fluency is not just a literacy goal — it’s a foundation for lifelong learning.
🧩 What We Mean by “Reading Fluency”
We adopt a broad yet focused definition of reading fluency that includes:
- Accuracy – Reading words correctly
- Pace – Reading at a natural, conversational speed
- Expression – Using tone, pauses, and emphasis appropriately
- Comprehension – Understanding what is read (at least at a surface level)
We assess these elements together to understand whether a child can engage meaningfully with a written text.
🧪 How We Conduct Reading Fluency Assessments
🧾 Our Tool Structure (3–5 Levels)
Each assessment set includes:
- Letter and Sound Recognition (for beginners)
- Word Reading (CVC and longer words)
- Sentence Reading (age-appropriate, progressively complex)
- Pace and Flow (observed in a timed 30-second task)
- Basic Comprehension (literal questions to check attention and understanding)
We use multiple leveled sets (e.g., Set 1, Set 2, Set 3) to avoid memorization and allow repeated testing.
📝 Assessment Method
- Conducted orally and individually
- Can be recorded or observed live
- Uses a simple rubric (0–5) for each section
- Total score categorizes child into one of five fluency bands
| Score Range | Reader Level |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Pre-reader |
| 6–10 | Sound and Letter Recognizer |
| 11–15 | Sentence-level Reader |
| 16–20 | Developing Fluent Reader |
| 21–25 | Fluent and Expressive Reader |
🎯 How We Set Growth Goals
Assessment is not just for measurement — it informs individual growth paths.
For Each Level:
| Current Level | Next Growth Focus |
|---|---|
| Pre-reader (0–5) | Build phonemic awareness, basic decoding with sounds and letters |
| Sound Recognizer (6–10) | Strengthen blending, exposure to high-frequency words, start short sentences |
| Sentence-level Reader (11–15) | Improve pace, reduce hesitation, build confidence with longer sentences |
| Developing Fluent (16–20) | Work on expression, rhythm, and comprehension of connected texts |
| Fluent Reader (21–25) | Shift focus to deeper comprehension, vocabulary, and varied genres |
📊 Using Data to Support the Child
- We track progress quarterly using different sets
- Teachers use rubric feedback to plan reading interventions
- Fellow-child reading goals are revisited in planning and reflection sessions
- Fluency data is often triangulated with comprehension and writing samples to get a fuller picture
🤝 Values That Guide Our Approach
- Respect for developmental pace — We don’t rush children through reading levels.
- Joyful engagement with text — Assessment includes familiar or meaningful content when possible.
- Equity and contextual care — We adapt assessments for multilingual or first-generation learners.