Teaching reading fluency: a focused look
What is Reading Fluency?
Reading fluency involves much more than just reading quickly. A common misconception among pupils—and sometimes adults—is that being a fluent reader means being a fast reader. However, fluency refers to the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. Fluent readers pay attention to punctuation, phrasing, and the structure of text, which allows them to read with clarity and understanding. Reading fluency is often described as "the bridge" between decoding and comprehension, and it requires explicit teaching in the classroom.
Why is Teaching Reading Fluency Important?
Teaching reading fluency is crucial for enhancing comprehension and overall literacy skills. Fluent readers can decode words effortlessly, allowing them to focus on comprehension rather than struggling with individual words. This ability helps develop a deeper understanding of texts, boosts confidence, and fosters a lifelong love of reading. In addition to comprehension, reading fluency supports vocabulary and language development, which are essential for academic success. Pupils who master reading fluency are better equipped to handle complex academic materials and thrive in today’s information-rich society.
The updated DfE Reading Framework 2023 highlights reading fluency as a key component of developing young readers, emphasizing its importance in the school curriculum.
How to Teach Reading Fluency
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) identifies three evidence-informed methods for teaching reading fluency:
- Guided Oral Reading Instruction: This method involves an adult modelling fluent reading of a text, followed by pupils reading the same text aloud with feedback. This helps students mimic proper pacing, intonation, and phrasing.
- Repeated Reading: Pupils re-read a short text multiple times until they reach a suitable level of fluency. This repetition helps them become more confident and automatic in their reading.
- Readers’ Theatre: This strategy gives pupils the opportunity to practice fluency techniques such as repeated reading, paired reading, and text marking. Pupils also receive peer feedback, which further reinforces fluency skills.
Supporting Reading Fluency in the Curriculum
School leaders should consider where reading fluency fits within their curriculum and ensure that fluency activities are regular and purposeful. Fluency instruction may also serve as a basis for interventions to support pupils transitioning from decoding to comprehension.
For those interested in further developing their understanding of fluency, a CPD session will be held on 5th November. You can book your place using this link https://www.educationservices.org.uk/Event/245127. Additionally, the team at Education North Tyneside offers bespoke support and training for schools, please do contact the team at Education North Tyneside: we would be happy to help.
