Another approach to reading fluency......

.......high frequency word lists. There are lots! I'll link you up to save you the trouble. This is a link to The High Use 500 in alphabetical order: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/English/shared/High%20Use%20500%20Word%20List%204-5.pdf

Click on this link: http://www.janbrett.com/games/high_frequency_word_list_main.htm to find some very cute printable PDF's of a list of 100 most frequently used words with artwork by a children's author. This page is connected to her site with lots of fun artsy stuff for the young ones. My kids are pretty much beyond this, but I couldn't resist!

Dolch has been a name in education for a long time. It's still around. I use to frown on the idea of learning to read by site. I've since learned that it's good to have a healthy balance which includes many "sight" words coupled with learning to "decode" with phonics. here are a couple of links involving Dolch: http://www.usu.edu/teachall/text/reading/highfrequency.htm and a more cute-sy one: http://www.theschoolbell.com/Links/Dolch/Dolch.html

Let's talk about high frequency words, what's the deal? Many reading sources will talk about high frequency words, and suggest using them in your quest for reading (and spelling) fluency. One of my favorite authors for the educator is Ruth Beechick. My books by her are currently packed away. arrrhh! maybe that's why I'm searching the Internet so much? There is a wealth of help out there for the homeschooler or parent at home wanting to help their child succeed. So, why not use it. Back to high frequency word lists.... Did you know that just 3 words make up 10% of all written language? (English) Yes, they are a - and - the. Many sources say that a mere 100 words makes up 50% of our written language. The lists vary. But can you see how learning a short list of words can go a long way? Many high frequency words do not follow the phonetic rules and can not be identified with a picture. They almost must be learned by sight. So tackle a high frequency word list with your readers and supe up their fluency from yet another angle.