Fluency Drills with High Frequency Words

Twelve drills for practicing 100 high-frequency words in phrases

Downloadable Packet Includes:

• Recording sheet template.

• 12 reproducible drill sheets (1 drill per page)

• Certificate for completion

Research suggests that reading fluency, the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with proper expression, can be improved by practice reading common words in phrases, particularly prepositional phrases. There are 100 words that make up about half of all written material. This set of 12 drills was designed to develop automatic recognition of these 100 high-frequency words through repeated practice of reading them in short phrases (see Perspectives, Winter, 2002). These drills can be used in a group or with an individual, as a timed drill, or a group activity, to improve speed and phrasing. Each drill has 7 to 9 phrases, randomly repeated, with a total of 36 phrases per page. Words are practiced in approximate order of their frequency listing. Instructions and goal sheet are provided, with suggestions for setting passing goal scores. Children experience a great sense of accomplishment and pride as they pass each drill.