Reading Fluency and SeeSaw

Students will:

• Be able to read an assigned piece of reading and record their reading to measure fluency on SeeSaw.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Fluency: Fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and correct expression.

To prepare for this lesson:

Before the lesson, teachers must set up SeeSaw accounts for their classes and invite parents to join.

• Please view the TEACHER video on using SeeSaw in the classroom. 

• Students should also know the basic features of SeeSaw.

  • Please view the following videos to decide how your students will access SeeSaw.  Students can access it with email, a class code, or a QR code. 

    •  Student sign-in using email

    • Get Students Started on Seesaw: Sign in with a code

• Here is a student video on how to use SeeSaw. 

• The SeeSaw app needs to be downloaded on student devices or bookmarked on computers. 

• Teachers will choose a reading passage for students and upload it to the SeeSaw activities section.
   
• For sample reading passages for first grade create a free account at ReadWorks.org. 
   
• Here is an example of a 1st-grade reading passage from ReadWorks:

Everything about an elephant is big. It has big ears. It has big eyes and big tusks. It can weigh as much as a school bus!

An elephant also has a long trunk. It uses its trunk to breathe and to smell. It uses its trunk to find leaves and fruits to eat. An elephant can shower itself with its trunk. It sucks up water and sprays its back.

A mother elephant can hold her baby close with her trunk. She can even use her trunk to help lift her baby or move it away from trouble. For example, she might use her trunk to save her baby from getting stuck in the mud!

Note: SeeSaw has many other tutorials on their website and Help Center

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher begins by asking students “What is Fluency?” Students answer with what they have learned from previous lessons or years.

2. Next, the teacher asks why fluency is important. Students responses may include:

   • So you know who is talking in a story

   • So people can understand your reading

   • So you understand your reading

   • So you don’t sound like a robot.

3. The teacher then tells students that today they will be going to SeeSaw and opening a piece of reading that was uploaded in the activities section.

4. The students will then record themselves reading that passage. When they are finished, they can press the green check mark.

5. The teacher should remind students to try their best when reading and if they are having trouble, to try and sound out words and continue reading trying their best.

6. In SeeSaw students tap the Activities tab.

7. Then, they tap Waiting for Response, then tap the green add button.

8. Students tap record and then read the piece aloud and stop the recording when finished.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• Teachers can see what students have posted to their journal from the Teacher side of SeeSaw. They are able to leave feedback for students and intervene with any student who did not read the passage, or assess their reading level and needs. 
• Teachers can also use this as a starting point in the year and have them read the same piece at the end of the year.