Word Knowledge encompasses two areas; Word Attack Strategies & Vocabulary Knowledge.

Word Attack Strategies offer readers various approaches to decode or recognize, pronounce, and understand unfamiliar words.

Vocabulary Knowledge refers to understanding the meaning of critical words in a text.

Without a strong foundation in both of these areas, one will struggle with true comprehension.

Fluency is the ability to read at the appropriate rate, with accuracy, and proper expression. Whether reading silently or aloud, to truly understand what one is reading, fluency is needed

Comprehension is the understanding and interpretation of what is read, creating meaning. This is the ultimate goal of reading.

Two keys required to accurately understand written material include::

(1) strong Word Knowledge including the ability to decode - involving Focus Sounds & Phonics;

(2) ability to Create Meaning, making connections between what is read & what is already know.