Fluency part 8 Prosody

Instruction in fluency should include practice in the prosodic features of reading. Prosody is a linguistic term that is used to describe the tonal and rhythmic qualities of spoken language. Prosaic features are variations in pitch (intonation), stress patterns (syllable prominence), and the duration (length of time) that contribute to expressive reading of a text. The research evidence supports the notion that when children read expressively they are more likely to understand and enjoy what they are reading. Thus, reading comprehension and prosody are intertwined.

Some ideas to help with developing prosody are:

1. Model prosody by emphasising the tonal and rhythmic qualities of spoken language (in contrast show how reading in a monotone would sound).
2. Use a taped audio or digital recording for your child to read-a-long (or listen to at bedtime - see earlier blog about bedtime reading).
3. Use the highlighted phrases method (see earlier blog).
4. Look for high quality descriptive texts at the library for your child to read in their own leisure time.
5. Limit the amount of TV watching and provide good books for bed time reading.
6. Read a passage to your child by modeling expressive reading and leave the book with the child at an interesting point in the book.

The chat below could be used as a guide for developing prosody.

Reading Fluency Scale retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/ors/scale.asp