Readers look to punctuation to signal phrases in text and to alert them when they need to change or adjust their intonation, vocal stress, pitch, loudness, tempo, and rhythm—aspects of language known collectively as prosody.
If you see readers who . . .
The meaning of what is read is embedded in phrases we read, not just in the isolated words themselves. Word order and the way words are put together to make a sentence and then a paragraph help convey the meaning of the text.
When reading aloud, we need to read the way we speak. Paying attention to punctuation helps us read more fluently.
We begin with our read-aloud. We model and explain explicitly what fluency is, how it sounds, and why it is important. Before we even introduce phrasing, we cue readers into the intonation of our voice, or prosody, showing them how we make our voice go up and down, and how that affects what we are saying.
Scooping the phrase:
Suggested language:
Possible ways to differentiate instruction:
Reconsider materials, setting, instruction, and cognitive processes.
These strategies may provide support before, during, and after teaching this strategy:
Want to hear about this strategy from a student's perspective? Let Kid Teacher, Miss Hadley, tell you—in her own words—how this strategy helps her grow as a reader. We think it will help your students too!
Each book below has a coordinating lesson with an explicit example to teach this strategy. Select a book cover below, then download the lesson to see for yourself. At The Daily CAFE these were called Lit Lessons.
At Teach Daily, we provide effective teaching methods and resources so any teacher can learn how to build the skills and confidence to recognize and meet the needs of all their students—daily.
© 2025 Teach Daily
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Ready Reference Guide
Assessment
Parent Letter
Student Bookmark