As I observed student work during writing, reading, and science class, I noticed similar mistakes being made. To name a few, students were unable to spell words correctly, write complete sentences, and could not read grade level passages provided by the district. 70% of my first grade class was below grade level in reading and writing.

I collected qualitative data that showed students' needs of letter recognition and phonemic awareness of letter sounds. Below are pictures of two different students' work. They missed the linkage between the two skills, making their writing incorrect and unreadable.

Please read my literature review (linked on the corresponding tab) for further information on letter recognition and phonemic awareness.

I also collected quantitative data that proved my students’ were in need of decoding skills. Below are two different students' Amira test results from the beginning of the school year. The scores proved students were lacking fluency in decoding and phonemic and phonological awareness, thus making reading very challenging for these students.

Please read my literature review (linked on the corresponding tab) for further information on decoding.

This study benefited students in multiple ways. I taught my students word work strategies to help them decode words. Effectively decoding words increased their fluency. Fluency involves punctuation, accuracy, rate, and expression while reading. In other words, fluency is unknowingly and automatically changing voice based on the punctuation at the end of the sentence, alongside reading with an appropriate pace while comprehending what is being read.

The result of learning and acquiring more words to one’s skill set is everlasting. In doing so, it is likely that they will become a wiser person and successful student as they apply reading fluency across all content and life areas. An increase in fluency ultimately leads to an enhanced reading development.

When students are able to automatically focus and process words, they are able to recognize and appreciate the art of reading instead of stumbling through every word on every page. The importance of becoming a fluent reader is so that words come alive as they are being read. Multitasking in decoding and comprehending, envisioning a vivid account of the story, and adding one's own individuality is where creativity and inspiration stem from. Humans learn from other humans. Words are written to be interpreted and thought about. When one is fluent, one's mind is open to all of the other wonderful seconds of thought reading allows the mind to do.