Reading Fluency

Read Live is a computer-based reading fluency program designed for both polishing a good reader’s skills and developing fluency in struggling readers.  We have had a love/hate relationship with this program.  Why?  At first, the set up and assessments were a bit tedious.  Once we began actually using the program, my daughter saw immediate improvement in her reading skills. She didn’t like “practicing” reading stories aloud several times; but, when she saw the improvement, she decided it was well worth it.  How does the program actually work?  Once the teacher (parent) sets up the initial information, students take computerized fluency assessments.  The teacher selects the level at which to administer the fluency assessments. I administered several assessments until my daughter was at a level where she didn’t meet the benchmark score.  Once there, I placed her in the last level at which she met the target score.  Now, my daughter can login to her area and go through lessons somewhat on her own.  She selects a story and reads aloud to me or an older sibling, making note of the last correct word read in the allotted time.  This is for practice.  Then, I, as the teacher, login concurrently and score her reading the selection aloud.  This gives an initial score.  She then is given opportunity to practice reading the selection several times.  There is an option to listen to each selection, too, which helps with reading cadence and confidence.  After the required number of practice readings, she is timed while reading aloud again. If she reaches her benchmark, she will be allowed to move on to another story.  Part of the final assessment on each selection is a short comprehension quiz.  There is immediate feedback for the quiz.  “Awards” are given to students as they meet or surpass benchmark scores.  Once all stories are completed at a given level, students move on to another level.

Although Read Live seemed complicated to me at first, we settled in to the system and are actually enjoying it.  I think it will be something that we will keep up for this year because I am seeing so much improvement.  Read Live is available for purchase on the Read Naturally website.  It is purchased by the number of students who will be using the program.  Pricing begins at $149 for one “seat” (student).  Plenty of support (both technical and educational) is available through the the program and the website.  Take it from a total “non-technical person, the “techno” side of the program is not difficult at all.  If you just follow the installation and set up instructions step-by-step, you will not have any problems with the program.  I really see the benefit of this program. I have been using it with a 6th grader; however, it is designed for students with reading levels in grades 1-8.  I could see it being used by a very advanced kindergarten student just as easily as it could be used by a 10th grade student who reads at a 6th grade level. The stories are very appropriate and don’t look “baby.”  The juvenile look of stories has been the main complaint of my kids when using computer based reading programs.  We were thrilled with the professional look of Read Live. 

To read other reviews of Read Live, as well as reviews of other Read Naturally products, visit the main Homeschool Crew Review Blog, here. 

**I was not compensated in any way by Read Naturally or TOS. The opinions expressed are my own.**