Reading Fluency

Students will:

• be able to orally read accurately with an appropriate rate and expression
• be able to use context and technology to confirm or self-correct words and reread when needed
• be able to copy, paste and create a hyperlink
• be able to record the reading and recognize when improvements are needed and attempt another recording

Vocabulary Words:

1. Record: To record is to store something so it may be heard later.
2. Reading Fluency: Reading fluency is the ability to read easily and smoothly.

To prepare for this lesson:

• Arrange time for students to select reading material from the library or provide choices in the classroom.

• Ideally, a headset with a microphone is set up on a student's device.  Some devices may not need this, but it will improve the audio recording if available.

• Review the short Vocaroo and QR code generator tutorial if needed. The video is 3:21 seconds long.

• Show the students how to copy and paste the link into a document. 

• If you provide a document on the device students may use it to copy and paste the link of the recording to submit to the teacher for scoring or use in a classroom library. (Tip: convert the link into a QR code for the classroom library.)

• Alternatively, have students start a document for this purpose and have them share it with you or submit it through a learning management system such as Google Classroom, Canvas,  Schoology, etc.

Share the keyboard shortcuts with them:

PC or Chromebook Shortcuts:

• Copy shortcut: Ctrl + c
• Paste shortcut: Ctrl + v
• Highlight URL shortcut: Ctrl + l
• Link shortcut: Ctrl + k

Mac Shortcuts:

• Copy shortcut: command + c
• Paste shortcut: command + v
• Link shortcut: command + k

• Visually impaired students may benefit from utilizing the accessibility options on a browser to increase font size, contrast, etc.
• Hearing-impaired students may use an auxiliary cable to connect the FM unit directly to the device to better hear the audio when finished.
• See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources 

Directions for this activity:

1. Model how to record the audio. Have students do a brief recording to ensure understanding.
2. Transition back to the whole group and model how to locate the link to highlight and copy. Have students copy the text using the shortcut.  
3. Model how to navigate to a document or learning management system (Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, etc.) and paste the link using the paste shortcut. Hit the spacebar once to convert it to a hyperlink. Have students complete this step with seat partners checking screens for successful completion or offer to coach struggling students.
4. Alternatively, on the document students could use the “Ctrl + k” (command + k for Mac) shortcut to create a hyperlink. In the text box, students could either type their name or the title of the book and click apply.
5. Check for understanding and have students coach one another if needed.
6. Coach students about speaking clearly and ensuring their voices are louder than the background noise. Model reading a page or two of text with expression, attention to punctuation, phrasing, and the appropriate rate of speech. Explain what it means to stress appropriate words in context. Remind students they may “retry” the recording if they feel they can improve their reading or need to correct mistakes.
7. Students will then be ready to record their reading. Remind students about the visual guide of steps to complete this in case they cannot recall a step or shortcut.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding