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Reading Fluency – What Parents Want To Know!

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin, Senior Director of Education



What Is Reading Fluency?

Reading fluency is a child’s ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn’t have to stop and sound out every word—they can read in a way that sounds natural, like talking.

When children read fluently, they can focus on understanding the story or information, not just figuring out the words. Fluency is an important bridge between learning to read and reading to learn.


Fluency includes three main parts:

  • Accuracy – reading words correctly

  • Rate – reading at a comfortable, not rushed, speed

  • Expression – reading with feeling, appropriate pauses, and voice changes


How Can Families Practice Reading Fluency at Home?

The best way to build fluency is regular, relaxed reading practice. Here are simple ways to help at home:

1. Read TogetherTake turns reading aloud or read the same text together. Hearing a fluent reader helps children learn how reading should sound.

2. Reread Favorite BooksReading the same book more than once builds confidence and smoothness. This is a good thing—even if your child memorizes parts of the book.

3. Model Expressive ReadingRead aloud with excitement, different voices, and clear pauses. Children learn fluency by listening.

4. Short, Daily PracticeFive to ten minutes of reading each day is more effective than long sessions once in a while.

5. Encourage, Don’t Correct Too MuchIf your child makes a mistake but the meaning is clear, let them keep going. Fluency grows when reading feels enjoyable and successful.


Fun Fluency Activities to Try

  • Echo Reading: You read a sentence with expression, then your child repeats it.

  • Choral Reading: Read together at the same pace, with you slightly ahead.

  • Repeated Reading: Have your child reread favorite passages 3-4 times to build speed and confidence.


Make It Playful & Expressive

  • Use silly voices for characters or read like a robot, villain, or elf.

  • Turn reading into a game: time your child and celebrate improvements.

  • Record your child reading and listen together to notice progress.


Support Beyond Practice

  • Read aloud to your child daily — choose books just above their reading level.

  • Talk about new words and ask questions about the story.

  • Celebrate every small success to keep motivation high!


Remember

Fluency takes time to develop. Celebrate effort and progress, and keep reading a positive, low-stress experience. Enjoying books together is one of the best ways to support your child’s reading growth.

 
 
 

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