Teaching & Learning Page

Fluency: What it is, why it matters, and how you can help at home

At Surfside Primary School, we know that families play a powerful role in supporting reading success. That’s why we want to keep you informed about how children learn to read and how you can support your child’s fluency at home.

Reading Isn’t Natural—It’s Learned

Many people believe that reading is something children just “pick up,” but research tells us otherwise. Unlike walking or talking, reading is not something humans are born knowing how to do. Reading is a skill that must be explicitly taught—step by step, starting with how letters and sounds work together.

That’s why at Surfside, we base our teaching on the Science of Reading to help us understand how children’s brains develop reading networks. As educators it’s our job to share that understanding with you, so we can work together to support your child’s learning journey.

So What Is Fluency, Really?

Fluency is often misunderstood as “reading quickly.” But true fluency means reading with accuracy, at a pace that sounds like natural speech, and with expression that reflects meaning.

At its core, fluency is about:

Accuracy – saying the correct word (no skipping or guessing)

Appropriate rate – not too fast, not too slow—just like we speak

Understanding – making meaning as they read

How You Can Support Fluency at Home

Here’s the good news: the earlier you get involved in your child’s reading, the stronger and longer-lasting the benefits (Mullis et al., 2004). Reading at home doesn’t just boost achievement—it builds confidence, motivation, and attention in the classroom (Gest et al., 2004).

Here are simple ways you can help:

✅ Model fluent reading – Read aloud daily using expression and natural pacing.

✅ Use the books we send home – Choose a slightly easier one to support fluency practice.

✅ Set a timer – Use our Word-Fluency charts with a 1-minute timer. 

✅ Review sounds and letters – Play short games to quickly recall letter names and sounds.

✅ Reread favourite books – Repetition builds fluency and confidence.

We’re truly grateful to walk alongside you in your child’s reading journey—your partnership makes all the difference.