Word list and phrase fluency practice for TEKS 3.1(A) fluency, 3.2(B) syllable types. Read each list three times, track every read, and watch accuracy and speed grow before moving into connected text.
The Repeated Reading Routine
Each list below uses this grade's own spelling and syllable type target words, taken from the Grade 3 Syllable Types Scope and Connected Text Practice and the Grade 3 spelling decks. The phrases come from the connected text passages for the same syllable type, so students read the words in isolation, then in phrases, then in the passage.
- Model. Read the word list aloud while students point to each word. Then read the phrases in smooth, meaningful chunks.
- Read 1. The student reads the word list for one minute. The partner or teacher counts words read correctly and marks errors. Record it on the chart.
- Practice. Reread any missed word together. Tap the syllables, name the syllable type, and read the word again.
- Read 2. Read the same list again for one minute. Record it.
- Read 3. Read it a third time, then read the phrase list in smooth chunks. Record the third read and circle your best read.
- Connect. Finish by reading the connected text passage for this syllable type in the Syllable Types document.
Goal. Each read is smoother and more accurate than the last. Accuracy comes first: a student who reads every word correctly at a steady pace is ready for the phrases. Use the Fluency Feedback Guide for feedback on rate, accuracy, and prosody.
Printable version (PDF)Fluency Feedback Guide, Grade 3Syllable Types connected text passages (PDF)
List 1: Closed Syllables
One vowel closed in by a consonant says its short sound.
Word list
lastmappastlonghopsunfeltgladstopclappedspuncup
Phrase list
At last the bell rangheld the map and the smallmust get past the longThe sun felt hotSam felt glad that hisbut the kids did not stopThey clapped and spun
Track my reads: Closed Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.
List 2: Open Syllables
A syllable that ends with one vowel says the vowel's long name.
Word list
busyeasyonlycarryfunnycitypennybabyluckyrobotmusictiny
Phrase list
of a busy dayIt was easy workOnly the babyShe could carry one smallsang a funny song whilesaw a city full of tulipsput a penny in the musicBaby Rose had a tiny job
Track my reads: Open Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.
List 3: VCe Syllables
A vowel, a consonant, and a silent e make the vowel say its name.
Word list
cameplacemakesafehometimewrotefivecakelifebravehope
Phrase list
The Pilgrims came to a newIt took timecorn and wrote notes aboutFive families shared one long tableof fresh cake filled the roomLife felt hardbut the people were bravewas the hope they carried
Track my reads: VCe Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.
List 4: Vowel Team Syllables
Two letters work together to make one vowel sound.
Word list
seabeachteamdreamrainstaytrainhousefoodmoonknewlight
Phrase list
The sea was calmto the beach at the breakmade us dreamSoon the rain began to fallwe would stay until the lastto the houseate warm food and drankthe moon came out
Track my reads: Vowel Team Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.
List 5: R-Controlled Syllables
An r after the vowel changes the vowel's sound.
Word list
bornfarmgirlhardpartbirdturnstormfirstgardenworkbarns
Phrase list
she was bornOn the farmon the hard groundPart of herOne night a great storm cameLaura's first chore was to feedkeep the barns safe
Track my reads: R-Controlled Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.
List 6: Final Stable Syllables
A consonant plus le, or an ending such as tion, sion, ture, or ible, makes the last syllable.
Word list
littlepeoplesettlesingletumblepurplesimplegentlecattlebubble
Phrase list
In a little townthe people met to settlestarted to tumble off the benchand others wanted a purple gateIt was a simple problemThe gentle leader askedkeep the cattle from the mainbegan to bubble with ideas
Track my reads: Final Stable Syllables
| Read | Date | Words or phrases read correctly in 1 minute | Errors | My best read? |
|---|
| Read 1 | | | | |
| Read 2 | | | | |
| Read 3 | | | | |
Color one box for every word or phrase you read correctly. Watch your bar grow from Read 1 to Read 3.