Decoding, Encoding, Reading Fluently,
and Comprehending Text
Decoding is the ability to read a word with accuracy.
Encoding is spelling and writing a text with accuracy.
Reading Fluently is the ability to read a text smoothly with
phrasing and intonation. Fluency aids in
comprehension but does not ensure comprehension.
Comprehending a text refers to the understanding of a text,
and the ability to express ones understanding using multiple reading
strategies.
Important points to consider:
·
A student may be able to decode and read with
fluency but have limited comprehension.
This child needs purely comprehension instruction using explicit reading
instruction focusing on reading strategies such as: main idea and details,
sequence of events, cause and effect, inferring, drawing conclusions,
summarizing, synthesizing, and evaluating.
It is not productive for a child to be pushed to read more challenging
texts, just because they can say words correctly. If anything, the child should start at a
lower level to build the basics of comprehension.
·
A poor decoder and encoder who struggle with
fluency may have strong comprehension.
In this case a systematic approach to teaching phonics and fluency is
the approach to take.
Understanding what is read is by
far the most important goal of reading; therefore discussing texts with your
student or child is imperative. Students
who struggle with decoding and fluency need to take part in the pleasure of
reading. In order for them to feel
ownership over the process, they need to develop a love of reading. At home, reading needs to be associated with
a relaxing, pleasurable time.
My favorite quote this week…
“Children are made readers on the laps of their
parents” –Emilie Buchwald
Recommended Websitehttp://www.readingrockets.org/teaching
