Which practice is essential for developing reading fluency in students?

Developing reading fluency involves the ability to read text smoothly and with expression, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through repeated reading and practice with feedback. This practice allows students to engage with the text multiple times, which helps them become more familiar with word patterns, vocabulary, and phrasing.

When students read the same passages repeatedly, they can focus on improving their speed, accuracy, and prosody, which is the rhythm and flow of their reading. By receiving constructive feedback, educators can guide students on specific aspects to work on, such as intonation, phrasing, and the emotional expression of reading. This targeted approach not only builds fluency but also boosts students’ confidence as they see tangible improvement in their reading abilities.

In contrast, solely listening to audiobooks may expose students to fluent reading, but it doesn't actively engage them in the reading process required to develop their own fluency. Similarly, focusing on silent reading without discussion can limit opportunities for verbal practice and comprehension checks, which are crucial for fluency development. Avoiding assessments could actually impede the growth process, as understanding students' fluency levels and providing appropriate challenges are key to fostering progress.