In a message dated 5/25/2007 10:42:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I totally agree with your definition of fluency-- that it must be inseparable from comprehension. However, I would note that assessments such as DIBELS and some fluency programs You are right about the DIBELS. I was very disturbed when we looked at it that the way they measured comprehension of the passage was by counting the number of words the child used in their retell. This is one of the major reasons we never purchased it. I am not advocating fluency programs at all. I really don't think you need one. I think the reason we see so many now is because it is easy to package and sell. I teach my fluency lessons with text the children are reading and short passages that are on an appropriate level for the child. I also vary the genre to be sure they understand how to read these as well. I'm understanding your posts, you believe that fluency and comprehension are reciprocal--that each influences the other. That's what the research shows too. Yes that is exactly what I was saying. The difference in what many teachers are being told is that if we train kids to read quickly, comprehension will follow. Actually, the research shows that's not the case. Comprehension does not just suddenly pop up when a child can read a passage flawlessly. That is absolutely right. That is why we have to understand that when someone says they teach fluency it does not merely mean we time the children and get a score. It is so much more than that and should be included in the reading instruction we do. I really teach it in reading as well as writing. I also agree with what you said about the data regarding ELLs and decoding instruction. Many ELLs that I have worked with are good word callers. They can call the words but do not have great comprehension. Laura readinglady.com ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
