Which strategies are effective in supporting reading fluency?

The effectiveness of oral reading practice and repeated readings in supporting reading fluency lies in several key factors. Oral reading practice allows students to hear the correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of text, which can significantly improve their own reading abilities. It promotes the development of prosody, which is essential for reading fluently. By engaging in repeated readings, students are given the opportunity to practice and refine their skills, which leads to increased speed, accuracy, and expression in their oral reading.

Repeated readings also help students build familiarity with texts, enabling them to recognize words more quickly and to increase their overall reading efficiency. As they become more confident in their reading abilities, they are more likely to develop a love for reading, which can further enhance their fluency. This strategy is aligned with evidence-based practices supporting fluency development in literacy education.

In contrast, strategies such as silent reading without oral practice or feedback may not provide the necessary support for developing fluency, as students miss out on critical aspects of modeling and practice. Focusing only on comprehension or relying solely on silent reading also neglects the importance of the auditory and expressive elements of reading that contribute to overall fluency.