Early Literacy Development

III. Early Fluent/Fluent Readers (second through third grade):

• recognize many words in and out of context
• can apply phonics and other word analysis skills to figure out and confirm new words
  
• monitor their own reading for meaning and self correct as needed
• read with increased fluency, accuracy, and expression

Early Fluent/Fluent Writers

• are more comfortable with drafting, revising and editing
• show influence of the texts they have read
• express their ideas more elaborately
• use spelling that is closer to conventional spelling
• increase their use of punctuation

Children in this phase benefit from:

• continued opportunities to read and discuss a variety of increasingly challenging and personally meaningful texts
• continued practice reading for meaning using various strategies: integrating cuing systems, self monitoring and self correcting
• exposure to and practice with more aspects of word analysis
• practice building accuracy, fluency, expression
• practice reading silently
• guidance and practice with specific comprehension strategies
• encouragement to continue writing with increasing support for revision and editing
• hearing and discussing a variety of literature read aloud

NOTE: Keep in mind that the grade levels associated with each phase described below are only approximate. In each grade there are likely to be children in all phases of literacy acquisition. Also, remember that within each phase there may be a range of learners who are developing in different ways.