You watch your child struggle with reading every day, and it can be heartbreaking to see them stumble over words that seem so simple. The letters get mixed up, and confidence drops with each attempt, leaving both of you frustrated.

This daily battle affects millions of families worldwide. Dyslexia and reading fluency contribute to over 80% of specific learning disabilities, making smooth, expressive reading the cornerstone of educational success. When children struggle to read smoothly, their comprehension suffers, and their self-esteem suffers as a result.

Reading fluency has a direct impact on your child's ability to understand what they read. Without fluency, children spend so much energy decoding words that they miss the meaning entirely.

This guide provides research-backed strategies that have been proven effective. You will learn about practical methods and activities to support your child with dyslexia.

Overview

• Reading fluency is essential for comprehension, confidence, and academic success, especially for children with dyslexia.

• Evidence-based strategies, such as structured literacy, multisensory methods, and repeated reading, have been shown to strengthen fluency significantly.

• Interactive and engaging activities turn practice into a motivating experience while improving automatic word recognition and expression.

• Consistent support from parents, teachers, and structured programs accelerates progress and builds a positive reading attitude.

What is Reading Fluency?

Reading fluency is the ability to read text accurately, at an appropriate speed, and with natural expression. It goes beyond recognizing words on a page. Fluent readers can group words into meaningful phrases, use the correct intonation, and read smoothly without frequent pauses.

Fluency applies to both silent and oral reading. Silent reading allows the reader to focus on understanding the text. In oral reading, it makes the delivery sound natural, clear, and expressive. When fluency is achieved, comprehension becomes easier because the reader spends less effort on decoding individual words.

Why Dyslexic Students Struggle with Fluency?

Reading fluency is about speed, accuracy, and expression. For children with dyslexia, several well-researched factors make this more difficult:

• Phonological processing – Trouble linking letters to sounds slows decoding. Studies show this is the most consistent challenge for dyslexic readers.

• Working memory limits – Holding on to what’s just been read while tackling the next word becomes overwhelming, reducing comprehension.

• Slow automaticity – Fluent readers recognize words instantly, but dyslexic students often need to sound them out repeatedly, making reading laborious.

• Visual processing differences – Some children see letters or words blur or shift on the page, which affects accuracy and pace.

• Emotional impact – Constant effort and setbacks can erode confidence, leading to frustration and a reluctance to read altogether.

Each of these factors adds up, which is why fluency doesn’t come as naturally for dyslexic students. With the right support, though, children can build strategies that make reading smoother and less stressful.

Also Read: Narrative Writing in Kindergarten: Steps, Examples, and Tips

Evidence-Based Approaches to Build Reading Fluency in Dyslexic Children 

Supporting a child with dyslexia requires more than encouragement; it needs approaches that research has shown to work. The good news is that several evidence-based methods can make reading feel less overwhelming and more achievable. 

These strategies are not just for teachers; many can be adapted for use at home, allowing you to support your child’s progress actively.

Structured Literacy Programs

Studies confirm that children with dyslexia benefit from explicit, step-by-step instruction in how sounds connect to letters and words. This is called structured literacy. It covers phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension in a logical sequence. 

At home, you can reinforce this by practicing sound-letter connections during everyday routines, for example, pointing out letter patterns while reading signs or packaging together.

Multisensory Teaching Methods

Research has highlighted that engaging multiple senses strengthens learning for readers with dyslexia. Multisensory methods combine sight, sound, movement, and touch. A child might trace letters in sand while saying the sound aloud or clap out syllables while reading. These activities build stronger connections in the brain, making it easier to recall words. 

You can introduce simple multisensory games at home, like writing words with finger paint or using magnetic letters on the fridge.

Repeated Reading Practice

Repeated reading is a simple yet powerful method. When a child reads the same short passage several times, their brain becomes more efficient at recognizing words, and fluency improves. Keep the texts short, engaging, and at the right level, not too difficult, not too easy. 

You can track progress by timing each reading or celebrating how much smoother it sounds after a few tries.

Technology-Enhanced Interventions

Digital tools can make reading more engaging and less frustrating. Text-to-speech apps, audiobooks with highlighted text, or programs that adjust font and spacing give children more control and accessibility. These tools don’t replace teaching but provide the extra support that keeps motivation high and fluency growing.

Also Read: How to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

These proven methods lay the foundation, but fluency really grows through practice. You can try activities to apply these evidence-based approaches without your child being bored.

12 Activities to Improve Reading Fluency in Dyslexic Students

Fluency grows when reading feels natural and fun. Children learn best through practice that engages them, holds their interest, and provides them with small wins along the way.

The right activities turn reading into games, challenges, or shared experiences. They can be adapted for different ages and reading levels, making practice motivating.

In the sections below, you’ll find practical, step-by-step activities you can try at home. Many of these strategies also work effectively in classrooms, enabling teachers to support students with dyslexia more effectively. Each activity is designed to make reading smoother, boost your child's confidence, and keep them excited to learn.

1. Echo Reading Together

This activity supports dyslexic learners by modelling fluent reading. Your child hears smooth, expressive reading and gradually learns to match it, improving phrasing and automaticity.

How to do it:

• Pick a book slightly above their independent level.

• Read a sentence or paragraph aloud with expression.

• Ask your child to echo you, focusing on pace and intonation.

• Increase passage length gradually as they gain confidence.

2. Sight Word Bingo

High-frequency words can be particularly challenging for students with dyslexia. This game makes recognizing these words automatic, which frees mental energy for comprehension.

How to do it:

• Create bingo cards with sight words tailored to your child’s reading level.

• Call out words and have your child mark them.

• Use sentences containing the sight words for extra practice.

• Praise effort and celebrate correct responses.

3. Story Retelling with Picture Cards

Remembering story elements while reading can be challenging for your child, so using picture cards gives visual support and helps them retell stories fluently and with expression.

How to do it:

• Read a short story together and discuss key events.

• Use picture cards to represent main story elements.

• Ask your child to retell the story using the cards.

• Encourage natural pacing and expression.

• Record retellings occasionally to track progress.

4. Rhyming Word Hunt

Phonemic awareness is crucial for students with dyslexia. Searching for rhymes strengthens decoding skills and makes reading more playful.

How to do it:

• Choose a rhyme pattern like -at or -ing.

• Look through books or around your home to find matching words.

• Create a list and read it aloud together.

• Create silly sentences with rhymes to reinforce learning.

5. Reading Theatre

Expressive reading can be challenging for your child, but acting out stories helps improve phrasing, intonation, and confidence, making reading more enjoyable and engaging.

How to do it:

• Pick stories with dialogue or action.

• Assign parts to family members.

• Practice lines together, focusing on expression and smooth delivery.

• Perform for family or record the reading.

• The goal is enjoyment and fluency, not perfection.

6. Repeated Reading Practice

Many dyslexic learners require additional repetition to develop automatic word recognition. Repeated reading strengthens decoding, phrasing, and comprehension without the pressure of a test.

How to do it:

• Choose passages at 90–95% accuracy for your child.

• Read the passage together several times.

• Focus on accuracy first, then expression and pacing.

• Celebrate improvements and track progress with simple charts.

7. Use Audiobooks with Text

Listening to a story while following along with the text can make reading feel easier. Children hear the rhythm of sentences and see the words, naturally connecting the two, which helps reading become smoother over time.

How to do it:

• Provide audiobooks that highlight text as it plays.

• Encourage students to follow along with their finger.

• Choose books slightly above the independent reading level.

• Allow students to replay sections as needed.

8. Quiet Reading Corners

A cozy, distraction-free corner provides children with a safe space to focus on their books. With comfortable seating and gentle lighting, reading feels like a calm, enjoyable activity rather than a chore.

How to do it:

• Establish comfortable, well-lit reading areas.

• Include noise-cancelling headphones or soft background music.

• Stock with books at various reading levels.

• Allow flexible seating options, such as bean bags or cushions, to accommodate individual preferences.

• Create systems for students to track their reading progress.

9. Peer Reading Pairs

Reading alongside a classmate can help alleviate the pressure. Children practice reading aloud together, learn from each other’s pacing, and gradually gain confidence while enjoying the social aspect of reading.

How to do it:

• Pair struggling readers with patient, supportive classmates.

• Train all students in supportive reading techniques.

• Rotate partnerships to build multiple relationships.

• Provide structured activities for reading pairs.

• Monitor interactions to ensure positive experiences.

10. Multisensory Phonics Lessons

Engage multiple learning pathways to strengthen phonics skills.

How to do it:

• Use letter tiles, sand trays, or textured surfaces for letter formation.

• Combine visual letter cards with auditory sound practice.

• Include movement through clapping syllables or marching to rhythms.

• Practice spelling patterns through multiple senses simultaneously.

• Connect new learning to previously mastered skills.

11. Chunking Text into Phrases

Break complex sentences into meaningful units to improve comprehension and flow.

How to do it:

• Use colored markers to separate phrase boundaries.

• Teach students to pause briefly between phrases.

• Model appropriate phrasing during read-alouds.

• Practice with familiar texts before moving to new material.

• Gradually reduce visual supports as skills develop.

12. Rhyme and Rhythm Reading

This activity uses rhythm and rhyming patterns to make reading smoother and more predictable.

How it works:

• Choose short poems, nursery rhymes, or rhythmic passages.

• Read the passage aloud together, emphasizing the natural rhythm and rhymes.

• Have your child echo the lines, focusing on keeping the rhythm rather than decoding every word individually.

• Clap or tap along with syllables to reinforce the beat and pacing. Gradually increase the complexity or length of passages as fluency improves

Also Read: Kindergarten Reading Level Guide and Tips 

Practicing with fun, hands-on activities makes a big difference, but your child also needs ongoing support. The following strategies complement the activities and help reading become easier, more confident, and consistent.

Supportive Strategies for Improving Reading Fluency

You can’t force reading fluency, but you can make it easier. There are some supportive strategies that you can use to help your child read with confidence and ease. 

Let’s look at some of them in detail.

Assistive Technology: Speech-to-Text Tools

Using speech-to-text can reduce the cognitive load of writing, allowing children to focus on comprehension and expressing their ideas. Practicing with these tools gives them independence and builds fluency in reading and writing.

Flexible Assessment Methods

Not all students show their learning best through reading alone. Options such as oral presentations, creative projects, or using text-to-speech during assessments allow children to demonstrate their understanding without pressure from speed, thereby supporting their confidence and engagement.

Reading Progress Tracking

Visual tracking of progress, such as charts or graphs for speed, accuracy, and comprehension, motivates learners and helps them see tangible improvements. This approach encourages goal-setting and builds a sense of achievement over time.

These strategies, when paired with hands-on reading activities, create a more supportive and well-rounded environment that fosters fluency, comprehension, and confidence in learners with dyslexia.

Also Read: Spelling Strategies for Dyslexia 

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Supporting a child’s reading fluency doesn’t have to feel complicated. Minor adjustments at home and in the classroom can make a noticeable difference, helping children read more smoothly and confidently. 

The tips below focus on practical, research-backed strategies you can use right away.

Choose the Right Books

Pick texts that are easy to follow visually and linguistically. Look for decodable books with high-frequency words, short sentences, large fonts, and illustrations. Clear, engaging books let children focus on reading naturally rather than decoding every word.

Break Assignments into Manageable Steps

Long passages can overwhelm. Divide reading tasks into smaller sections, such as a paragraph or a page at a time. Completing each piece gives children a sense of progress and reduces reading fatigue.

Encourage Self-Monitoring

Simple progress tracking, such as checking off pages or counting the words while reading, helps children notice their own improvement. Tracking builds independence and gives them control over their learning journey.

Advocate for Classroom Accommodations

Classroom adjustments can support fluent reading. Consider options such as extended test time, oral presentations instead of written work, or additional guidance during reading tasks. These allow children to focus on understanding without pressure from speed.

Collaborate on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, actively coordinate with educators. Set clear fluency goals, review progress regularly, and ensure strategies align with what works at home.

Create a Comfortable Reading Environment

Quiet, well-lit spaces with minimal distractions make reading easier. Offer flexible seating, visual line guides, or bookmarks to help children follow text smoothly.

Encourage Choice and Interest

Let children choose books and topics they enjoy. Motivation drives engagement. When readers genuinely care about what they read, fluency and comprehension naturally improve.

Use Visual Supports for Comprehension

Tools like story maps, graphic organizers, or simple checklists help organize ideas before, during, and after reading. This reduces mental load and frees attention for smooth, expressive reading.

Celebrate Progress Frequently

Acknowledge every improvement, no matter how big or small. Praise and recognition build confidence, reinforce effort, and make reading a positive experience rather than a chore.

Also Read: Engaging Reading Fluency Games for Students 

Small changes can make a tremendous difference. However, structured reading programs and targeted interventions can accelerate progress, providing children with the support they need to develop fluency and confidence.

How does FunFox support struggling Readers?

FunFox understands the challenges your child may face with reading fluency. Our Readers Club is built to make reading practice feel achievable and enjoyable while building fundamental skills.

Here is how we help dyslexic students build their reading fluency: 

• Individual assessment and customized plans: We begin by understanding your child’s strengths and challenges. Each plan focuses on areas that will make the most significant difference in their reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence.

• Multisensory teaching methods: Lessons combine visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to help your child connect sounds, letters, and meaning more easily. This approach reduces the effort of decoding and lets them focus on understanding stories.

• Regular progress monitoring: We track improvements carefully and share clear updates with parents. Seeing progress helps children stay motivated and gives you concrete ways to support them at home.

• Family support and training: We guide parents on how to extend learning beyond the classroom. You’ll get practical strategies to reinforce fluency and comprehension skills in everyday reading.

• Collaboration with schools: We work closely with teachers to ensure that your child’s reading support is consistent across all environments.

• Technology integration: Interactive digital resources, lesson recordings, and online tools reduce barriers, allowing your child to practice reading without pressure.

• Confidence-building activities: Our small group classes and supportive environment encourage children to take risks with reading, make mistakes safely, and gradually build fluency.

With the Readers Club, your child receives structured, research-backed support in a friendly and motivating setting. We aim to make reading less stressful, more effective, and even enjoyable.

Conclusion

Improving dyslexia and reading fluency requires patience, persistence, and the right strategies. Reading fluency may not come easily, but with the right strategies, your child can gain confidence, improve comprehension, and enjoy reading. Evidence-based approaches, multisensory activities, and structured support create the foundation for meaningful progress.

FunFox’s Readers Club is designed to bring these strategies to life. Through small-group lessons, engaging activities, and personalized guidance, your child can strengthen reading fluency while building self-esteem. 

Book a trial class with us and give your child the opportunity to read more smoothly, confidently, and with joy. 

FAQ’s 

1. What is the best reading method for dyslexia?

Structured, multisensory approaches work best. They explicitly teach phonics, letter-sound relationships, and decoding skills while engaging the visual, auditory, and tactile senses to strengthen connections and support fluent and confident reading.

2. What are the five pillars of dyslexia?

The five pillars are phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension. Mastering these areas systematically helps children with dyslexia decode text, understand meaning, and read with accuracy and expression.

3. Why is fluency difficult for children with dyslexia?

Fluency challenges arise from slow word recognition, decoding difficulties, weak phonological processing, and limited working memory. These factors make reading labor-intensive, reduce comprehension, and require extra practice to achieve smooth reading.

4. What not to do for students with dyslexia?

Avoid focusing solely on speed, pressuring children to read aloud, using overly complex texts, or ignoring their individual learning needs. These actions increase stress, hinder confidence, and impede progress.

5. What is the most successful reading program for dyslexia?

Programs based on structured literacy principles are most successful. They provide explicit instruction in phonics, decoding, and comprehension, integrating multisensory techniques and a systematic progression to build fluent reading skills.