How Live Online Classes Improve Reading Fluency

Writer: Jo Butler

Discover how Little Readers UK’s live online reading lessons build fluency, confidence, and engagement through small group teaching and real-time interaction.

Reading fluency refers to a child’s ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with natural expression. It’s the bridge between phonics and comprehension: when a child reads fluently, they are more likely to understand and enjoy what they’re reading.

Fluency includes:

• Accuracy — recognising words correctly

• Rate — reading at an appropriate speed

• Expression — using intonation and pausing naturally

For early readers, achieving fluency requires repeated, supported practice with a skilled adult who can offer guidance, correction, and encouragement in real time.

UK Perspective: The UK’s Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) finds that early literacy approaches typically yield around 4 additional months of academic progress—with small group, targeted interventions being especially effective for children who may be falling behind. EEF

One of our Little Readers hard at work in Bali.

The Power of Live Interaction

Unlike pre-recorded videos or educational apps, live online classes offer real-time feedback and direct engagement. Children don’t just watch—they participate.

At Little Readers UK, every session is:

• Fully live and interactive — no pre-recorded content

• Led by qualified UK-based teachers trained in early literacy

• Small in size (1–6 children) to ensure each child is heard and supported

Our tutors correct pronunciation gently, model fluent reading aloud, and guide children through decoding and tricky words as they read. This immediate support helps children develop confidence and correct habits from the start.

UK Insight: EEF emphasises that combining structured teaching with live interaction—especially in small groups—boosts learning, particularly for literacy skills. EEF

Building Fluency Through Practice and Play

We know that repetition builds fluency—but it doesn’t have to be boring. Our tutors incorporate:

• Guided group reading to model fluent phrasing and pacing

• Individual turn-taking to give every child a voice

• Word games and phonics challenges to practise high-frequency and tricky words

• Comprehension activities to ensure children are reading for meaning, not just speed

We also embed opportunities for children to re-read familiar texts, increasing both fluency and confidence.

UK Evidence: The UK Early Years Toolkit (EEF) highlights that literacy interventions are most effective when varied and combined—not relying solely on one method. This multi-pronged, repeated-practice approach builds fluency and longer-term retention. EEF

The Emotional Impact of Being Heard

In large classrooms or on video platforms, children can easily become passive. In our small online groups, every child gets the chance to speak, read aloud, and share ideas. Being listened to and supported by a warm, encouraging adult builds:

• Self-esteem

• Verbal confidence

• Motivation to keep reading

Our tutors celebrate every success—whether it’s sounding out a tricky word or reading a full sentence fluently.

UK Context: Ofsted reports underscore that children born during the pandemic are showing delays in communication, self-help and emotional development—making sensitive, responsive teaching more crucial than ever. The GuardianSchools Week

Parental Involvement and Offline Reinforcement

Parents receive weekly homework through Google Classroom that supports fluency at home without additional screen time. Activities include:

• Bedtime story retelling

• Tricky word games

• Read-aloud practice with suggested books

Parents are also encouraged to listen to their child read aloud at home, echoing the techniques used in our sessions.

UK Insight: Pro Bono Economics, KPMG, and the National Literacy Trust estimate that 116,000 three-year-olds in the UK are at risk of entering school with “vulnerable” language skills—and that just two simple daily home activities (like singing or bedtime stories) could boost their long-term outcomes, potentially delivering £1.2 billion in economic benefits over their lifetimes. PBE

Moreover, an alarming literacy crisis report highlights that 106,000 five-year-olds in England are falling behind expectations, at a long-term cost of £830 million per school year group—calling for early, evidence-based interventions. The Guardian