Boosting Alphabet Letter Naming Fluency
Letter naming fluency is included in almost every kindergarten level assessment, and it is for good reason. Letter naming fluency is a great indicator of risk and a strong predictor of future reading success. According to experts like Adams and Ehri, “When children can recognize and name the letters of the alphabet accurately and automatically, they have a foundation for learning the alphabetic principle and learning to read.”
When naming letters with automaticity (fluent reading of letters), a student should be given a random list of upper and lowercase letters. In one minute, the student should name as many letters as possible. To have a great-level read, the score should be above 44 letters per minute, with the end goal being 52 letters in one minute!
Letter naming fluency should be strategically taught and practiced. Fluency practice can start as soon as letters are known in one’s own name. I use ESGI to assess students, then, print their known letter flashcards and start with known letter naming fluency. Beginning this way helps student to feel comfortable and confident with naming letters quickly. If students are struggling with simply being fluent, I allow them to practice being fluent with common objects or colors using real object or probe sheets such as these.
I build alphabet letter fluency the same way I build other skills—through games and strategic practice! Here are some great resources to get you started!
