The Garden That Wouldn't Grow

Take Turns Reading (Fluency)

The teacher reads one sentence and pauses. The student reads the next sentence. Keep taking turns to the end of the passage.

1. Model. Read each Teacher sentence with clear expression and phrasing, then pause so the student knows it is their turn.
2. Track. The student points under each word with a finger or pointer, left to right and top to bottom, while you read and while they read.
3. Praise. Name what went well in the student's reading, such as expression, smooth phrasing, or a tricky word said with accuracy. Reread any tricky word together.

Feedback on rate, accuracy, and prosody: Fluency Feedback Guide, Grade 5

1. 1.■Teacher readsKendrix enjoyed spending time in her grandmother’s garden.
2. 2.●Student readsEach spring, they carefully planted tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in neat rows.
3. 3.■Teacher readsIt was something they looked forward to every year.
4. 4.●Student readsHowever, this season, the plants did not grow as expected.
5. 5.■Teacher readsAfter two weeks, Kendrix noticed that the plants appeared weak.
6. 6.●Student readsTheir leaves were pale instead of a healthy green, and several stems were beginning to droop.
7. 7.■Teacher readsThinking she understood the problem, Kendrix suggested that the plants needed more water.
8. 8.●Student readsThe following day, she watered each plant much more than usual.
9. 9.■Teacher readsInstead of improving, the garden’s condition worsened.
10. 10.●Student readsThe soil became overly wet and muddy, and many of the leaves started to turn yellow.
11. 11.■Teacher readsKendrix felt puzzled and slightly frustrated.
12. 12.●Student readsShe had believed that adding more water would help the plants grow stronger.
13. 13.■Teacher readsHer grandmother examined the soil and explained that while water is necessary for plant growth, too much water can prevent roots from getting enough air.
14. 14.●Student readsWithout proper air, the roots cannot function effectively.
15. 15.■Teacher readsKendrix realized that her actions had changed the condition of the soil, which affected the plants’ health.
16. 16.●Student readsTogether, they adjusted their approach by watering less frequently and allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
17. 17.■Teacher readsThey also ensured the plants received enough sunlight.
18. 18.●Student readsWithin several days, the plants began to recover.
19. 19.■Teacher readsKendrix quietly observed the garden, paying closer attention to the soil and leaves than before.