College student working on a reading project?

Okay, I am working on an action research project where I want to have four 2nd grade students words per minute scores increase over the next seven weeks. I need help/advice. Any sites (free websites, I am a college student lol), advice, tips, programs, etc that you think work well. I am looking for the following:





1. How to specifically assess words per minute (just see how many they read a minute, or have them read for a couple minutes taking down number of words and then averaging them).


2. How to assess the student's reading level initially?


3. Assessing a books reading level, I'm looking for something that does like 2.1 or 3.7, I've tried Fry Readability and I just don't like it it's to general.


4. Activities to do in the small group to work on decoding skills, vocabulary, sight words, etc.





Anything else would be greatly appreciated. I am doing this project over the next 7 weeks and I really nervous to get it completed in time.

College student working on a reading project?
One of the things you can do is called a "running record". You have probably heard about that in your classes,and also about miscue analysis? If not, here are some links that will address those two topics as well as other aspects of your questions.





The number of words a student reads in a minute is only meaningful if the student also comprehends what he reads. So keep that in mind. What you are really looking at is reading fluency.





I hope this is of some help.
Reply:Read to them. Curious George, Little Bear, Brer Rabbit, anything you are passionate about. Let them listen to a book on tape, Narnia! Rehearse the reading, don't think you are going to do a good reading cold!


Listen to them. Bring in non-fiction about things they like, Tornados, Nascar, Birds. Discuss a few chosen words per source.


Are the kids fluent, or are they behind?


The best thing you can do to answer your questions is to get with a regular reading teacher, and use her tests and level books. Ask for some vocabulary words, you shouldn't have to invent everything yourself!