Building Fluency with Class Texts

Reading fluency, which includes accuracy, rate, and expression, is a vital skill for middle school students because it directly impacts their ability to comprehend and engage with texts. Fluent readers can focus on understanding meaning rather than decoding words, which is especially important as texts become more complex in middle school. As reading materials increase in difficulty, even students who have been practicing since elementary school need ongoing support. 

Here are three effective methods teachers can use to help their students build fluency: choral reading, echo reading, and paired reading. Each method encourages students to read aloud, but in a structured and supportive way that minimizes stress and maximizes practice.

3 Methods to Build Fluency

1. Choral Reading: Build Fluency Together

What is it?

Choral reading is when the entire class reads a text together aloud, following the teacher’s lead. This method helps students practice pacing, pronunciation, and expression without feeling singled out.

How to Implement:

• Select the Text: Choose a passage from the class’s current reading that’s at an appropriate reading level for most students. It doesn’t have to be long—it can be just a paragraph or two that contains rich language.
• Model the Reading: First, read the passage aloud while students follow along in their copy with their finger. Focus on demonstrating proper pacing, pausing, and emphasis. Ask students to pay attention to your speed, where you pause, and how you put stress on certain words or parts of words.
• Group Reading: Read the passage together as a class. Students should read aloud with you, following your lead in pacing and expression.
• Repeat: If the passage is challenging, repeat the reading a few times, each time encouraging students to improve expression and fluency.
• Discuss: After reading, take time to discuss any difficult words or phrases, and areas where students might need to change speed or emphasize certain parts of the text.

Why It Works: 

Choral reading reduces the pressure on individual students by blending all voices together. This can help hesitant or struggling readers feel more comfortable participating without the fear of making mistakes in front of their peers. Repeated practice builds both fluency and confidence.

2. Echo Reading: Listen and Repeat

What is it? 

Echo reading involves the teacher reading a section of the text aloud first, followed by the students repeating the same section. This method allows students to mimic the teacher’s reading style while gaining independent practice. Echo reading differs from choral reading in that the students will read aloud while the teacher listens, rather than read with the teacher.

How to Implement:

• Model the Reading: Read a section of the text aloud while students follow along in the text. This can be as long as a few paragraphs or as short as a sentence.
• Student Repetition: After each section, ask students to read it aloud without your help. This allows you to listen for areas where they need improvement in accuracy, pace, or expression.
• Provide Feedback: If needed, provide guidance on areas such as pausing or emphasis. For example, you might say, “Let’s try pausing a bit longer at this semicolon,” and then model it again with the students repeating it back to you.

Why It Works: 

Echo reading offers a chance for teachers to actively monitor student progress without overwhelming them. It allows students to practice reading independently but with the safety of modeling first. This method works well with students who need to hear how a passage should sound before attempting it on their own. Because they are reading along with peers, students will not feel singled out or “on the spot.”

3. Paired Reading: Improving Fluency with Peer Support

What is it? 

Paired reading pairs students together—typically a higher-level reader with a lower-level reader. However, also consider personalities when pairing students. Note that even if students are of the same reading level, they can still benefit from this method. So it’s okay to pair two similar readers together if you feel they will support each other well. Students take turns reading aloud to each other, providing an opportunity to practice fluency in a small, emotionally safe setting. 

How to Implement:

• Pair Students: Pair students thoughtfully, considering reading levels and personalities. Lower-level readers can benefit from being paired with stronger readers.
• Explain the Process: One student (Student A) reads aloud while the other student (Student B) follows along silently, tracking the words with their finger. After Student A finishes reading a section, Student B provides polite corrections if any mistakes were made and asks questions about the section, such as "What was this part about?" or "What did you think about _______?" Then, the students switch roles—Student B reads aloud while Student A listens and follows along. After each section, the listener gives feedback before switching roles again.
• Model the Interaction: Before starting, demonstrate how paired reading works with a student volunteer, showing how to ask questions and offer ideas for improvement in a supportive way.
• Circulate and Support: Walk around the classroom, listening to pairs and offering guidance or encouragement where needed. 
• Give Time for Reflection: After the reading, allow pairs to share positive feedback with each other and reflect on what went well or where they can improve their procedures. You can then discuss the process as a whole class, talking about what worked well and what was challenging.  

Why It Works: 

Paired reading empowers students by giving them responsibility for helping each other. The peer-to-peer format can be less intimidating than reading aloud to the entire class. This method also builds classroom community and fosters mutual support.

The Takeaway

Choral reading, echo reading, and paired reading all provide structured, low-stakes opportunities for students to practice reading aloud. These methods minimize the stress often associated with traditional read-alouds and help build fluency in a supportive environment. By incorporating these strategies into your classroom, you can help your students improve their reading fluency, confidence, and overall engagement with texts.

But Wait . . . What If a Student Won’t Participate?

This is a valid concern because often, older students who need help with fluency are reluctant to read aloud. We recommend these ideas if a student hesitates to join in with the class and read aloud:

1. Be Patient: It’s natural for some students to feel nervous during their first experience with choral or echo reading. However, after hearing their classmates read together, many may realize that their voice won’t stand out. Additionally, classroom discussions about difficult parts of the text can help normalize the challenges of reading aloud. Give it time—by the second or third session, these students are often more willing to join in.

2. Adjust Pairings: In paired reading, the right partner can make a significant difference. If a student is reluctant to read aloud with their current partner, try a different pairing next time. Choose someone who is not only supportive but also makes the student feel at ease. This thoughtful change can boost a hesitant reader’s confidence.

3. Have a Private Conversation: A brief, encouraging chat can sometimes reveal the reason behind a student's reluctance to participate. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes. A little personal encouragement often helps students feel more comfortable trying again.

4. Provide Small Group or Individual Practice: For students who remain anxious, consider working with them in a smaller group or one-on-one. A more intimate setting can help reduce pressure. Once they feel comfortable in this smaller, teacher-led group, they may be more willing to engage in whole-class or peer-supported reading practice.