Why is children’s ability to read words automatically included in book level calculations?

The goal of Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is fluent reading. As we all know, sound knowledge and the ability to decode is only the beginning of the journey towards fluency. In order for children to read fluently, they first need to be able to read words automatically.

We include automatic word reading in our assessments so that:

1. No child is made to read a book which they would struggle to read. Remember that reading practice should only take place with books that children are able to read with 90% fluency. Less than this, and the reading experience for the child is not a successful one.
2. Class teachers have a clear idea of which children need more support with reading words automatically, so they can adapt their teaching accordingly.