Lucy Terry came home upset she couldn't understand a book she got from the library like other kids could in her class. 

"I gotta talk to Mom about this..." 

She approached her mother about the fact there were certain words she had never seen before and she was having trouble understanding the story. 

"I don't even know where to begin," she said.

"That's okay. Let's go talk to your teacher about ways to help you."

Mrs. Terry was concerned about Lucy. 

"Hi, Mrs. Smith. I wanted to meet because I'm not sure what Lucy knows and what she doesn't when it comes to reading!"

"That's okay," said Mrs. Smith. "We need to first try to understand what Lucy comprehends to know where she's at."

Mrs. Smith tested Lucy right there on her accuracy — that is, knowing what sounds go with what letters in comprehension.

"Okay, Lucy. Do you know what this letter is?" Mrs. Smith started. 

"Yes, that's an E. And that's a Z. And that's an O. But I don't know how they go together! What are they saying here?"

Mrs. Smith worked with Lucy in front of Mrs. Terry to show her repeated reading, or practicing putting letters with sounds. Lucy felt overwhelmed at first. 

"But this is just one story!" She said. "How do the other kids know how to read all the stories in the library?"

"Oh, they don't! They do what I'm teaching you. It all comes with practice!" said Mrs. Smith. 

"Thank you so much for your help, Mrs. Smith." said Mrs. Terry. 

Lucy went home that night and attempted to read all the books on her shelf in her room. Some were harder than others. 

Lucy's mom would read with her at night, and encourage Lucy to try to read out loud. 

"When-the-kids-go-to-the-beach-they-take-their" *big gulp of air* "umbrella-with-them-and-sit-by-the-shore—"

"Whoa, Lucy! Slow down there! Remember to breath," said Mrs. Terry. 

Mrs. Terry decided to ask Mrs. Smith how to help Lucy slow down. She wrote her a note: 

Hello, Mrs. Smith. I've noticed Lucy is very excited to read, but often can't control her excitement and runs all of her words together. How can I help her sound more natural when she reads?