As a parent, it can feel confusing when your child is reading words on the page, but something still seems...off. Maybe they breeze through sentences but don’t remember what they just read. Or maybe they sound out every word with effort, even though they understand stories well when someone reads to them.
You’re not imagining it.
Reading is more than just saying the words. Two big pieces need to come together: fluency and comprehension. And when just one of them is missing, your child may start to feel frustrated, stuck, or like they’re “just not a reader.”
Let’s break them down in simple terms—and talk about the real-life changes that happen when each one starts to click.
🚧 Before Fluency Clicks
Your child can read, but it sounds like hard work. Each word is slow. They pause a lot. You may notice them skipping tricky words or guessing. Reading aloud feels like a chore—for both of you.
They avoid longer books. They lose their place easily. Sometimes, they give up before finishing a page.
💬 “I don’t want to read. It’s boring.”
💬 “I’m not good at this.”
What’s really happening? Their brain is working so hard just to say the words that there’s no energy left to understand or enjoy what they’re reading.
💡 After Fluency Begins to Grow
Now imagine this:
Your child is reading with a natural rhythm. They glide through sentences, not too fast, not too slow. They pause at commas and raise their voice at question marks. It’s like they’re finally hearing the story while they’re reading it.
Reading starts to feel easier. Less draining. And they begin reaching for books without being asked.
💬 “This book is funny!”
💬 “Can I read this to you?”
👉 Fluency gives your child the freedom to enjoy reading.
🚧 Before Comprehension Grows
Sometimes kids can read beautifully out loud—but when you ask, “What was that story about?”, they freeze.
They’ll say, “I don’t know,” or give a tiny detail that doesn’t match the story’s big idea. They may remember the character’s name but not what the character did. Or they retell everything like a list of events—with no emotion or connection.
💬 “I read it, but I don’t remember.”
💬 “I don’t get it.”
What’s really happening? They’re reading the words, but the meaning isn’t sticking. Reading feels like checking a box instead of understanding a message.
💡 After Comprehension Begins to Bloom
Now picture your child reading a story—and pausing to say, “Wait! I think he’s scared because of what happened before.”
They can tell you how a character changes from beginning to end. They start noticing lessons and themes—on their own. And best of all? They connect the story to their life:
💬 “That happened to me at recess!”
💬 “This is like that movie we watched!”
👉 Comprehension gives your child the power to think deeply, feel connected, and truly grow through reading.
❤️ Why Both Matter
Fluency and comprehension are like two puzzle pieces. When both fit, your child doesn’t just read—they experience books. They laugh at jokes. They ask questions. They relate to characters. They learn about the world.
Most importantly, they feel confident.
And that confidence spills into every part of their learning—because reading shows up in every subject.
🌱 Final Thought
If your child is struggling with fluency or comprehension, it doesn’t mean they’re behind or broken. It just means we need to meet them where they are and give them the tools that work for them.
Reading is a journey, and every child deserves a guide who sees their potential.
If you’re noticing any of these signs in your reader and want support, I’d love to talk. I help families understand what their child needs and create a plan that builds confidence, step by step.
📩 Send me a message or leave a comment. Let’s help your reader grow—with joy and purpose.
