Lesson Plan

Fluency Flow Lesson Plan

Students will enhance their speech fluency and confidence by practicing breathing and pacing strategies, mastering tongue twisters, and reflecting on their progress.

Smooth, confident speaking is vital for academic presentations, peer collaboration, and everyday communication. This session builds foundational skills and self-awareness to support clearer, more effective speech.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive drills, guided practice, and self-reflection.

Materials

Whiteboard and Markers, - Timer, - Tongue Twister Challenge Sheet, and - Fluency Self-Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

5 minutes

Print enough copies of Tongue Twister Challenge Sheet for each student pair
Print one Fluency Self-Reflection Worksheet per student
Queue up a visible timer or stopwatch
Write sample sentences and key strategy terms (pacing, pausing, breathing) on the whiteboard

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Greet students and introduce the session focus: fluent, confident speaking
Lead a 1-minute deep-breathing exercise to calm nerves
Distribute Tongue Twister Challenge Sheet
Students practice one tongue twister aloud with a partner, focusing on clarity over speed
Transition: Encourage students to notice how breath control affects fluency

Step 2

Instruction

7 minutes

Present three fluency strategies: pacing, intentional pausing, and controlled breathing
Model each strategy using sample sentences on the whiteboard
Invite two volunteers to demonstrate a strategy with a chosen sentence
Check for understanding by asking students to summarize each strategy in their own words
Transition: Explain that they will now practice these strategies in pairs

Step 3

Practice

10 minutes

Students form pairs and select a new tongue twister from the sheet
Partners take turns reading for 1 minute each, applying pacing and breathing techniques
Use the timer to monitor each turn
During each turn, listeners note strengths and one suggestion using a plus–plus–minus format
Transition: Ask students to reflect on the feedback before moving to written reflection

Step 4

Reflection

5 minutes

Distribute Fluency Self-Reflection Worksheet
Students complete prompts on what strategies worked, confidence levels, and next steps
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight or goal aloud
Transition: Prepare for a brief cool-down to reinforce smooth speaking

Step 5

Cool-Down

3 minutes

Lead the class in repeating a short, clear sentence at a slow, steady pace
Praise progress and remind students to set one weekly fluency goal
Collect all worksheets and return markers

Slide Deck

Fluency Flow: Smooth Speaking

7th Grade Tier 1 Speech Therapy
30-Minute Session

Let’s build smoother, more confident speaking!

Welcome everyone! Today’s session is called “Fluency Flow: Smooth Speaking.” Explain that over the next 30 minutes, students will practice strategies to speak more clearly and confidently. Set a positive tone and encourage participation.

Session Objectives

• Practice breath control for steady speech
• Apply pacing, intentional pausing & controlled breathing
• Master tongue twisters to improve clarity
• Reflect on progress and set a fluency goal

Read through the objectives out loud. Emphasize that fluency isn’t about speed—it’s about clarity and confidence.

Key Fluency Strategies

Pacing: Speak at an even, comfortable speed

Intentional Pausing: Insert brief, meaningful pauses

Controlled Breathing: Use deep, steady breaths to support your voice

Introduce each strategy one at a time. Ask students: “What do you think pacing means?” or “How can pausing make you sound more confident?”

Modeling Strategies

Sample Sentence:

“The quick brown fox… (pause)… jumps over… (pause)… the lazy dog.”

Notice the steady pace and breaths.

Model each strategy with a sample sentence. For example, say “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” slowly, pausing between phrases. Then demonstrate taking a breath before speaking the next phrase.

Practice Activity

Pair up and choose a new tongue twister
Take turns reading aloud for 1 minute
Focus on pacing & breathing
Partner notes: 2 strengths & 1 suggestion
Use a timer to switch roles

Explain the pair practice. Distribute Tongue Twister Challenge Sheet now. Monitor timing and remind listeners to give plus–plus–minus feedback.

Reflection & Self-Assessment

• Which strategy helped most?
• How confident did you feel?
• What’s your next fluency goal?

Hand out the Fluency Self-Reflection Worksheet. Encourage honest self-assessment—this helps set realistic next-step goals.

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up

• Group repeat: “Practice makes perfect.”
• Set one weekly fluency goal
• Return worksheets & materials

Great work today!

Lead the cool-down: Choose a simple sentence (e.g., “Practice makes perfect.”) and have everyone repeat it slowly together. Finish by praising effort and reminding students to practice one goal this week.

Worksheet

Tongue Twister Challenge Sheet

Instructions:
Work with your partner to practice the tongue twisters below. One partner reads aloud for 1 minute, focusing on clarity, pacing, and controlled breathing. The listener records feedback: two strengths (++) and one suggestion (–).