Fluency

** Fluency ** is the ability to read a text accurately and smoothly. When fluent readers read, they recognize words automatically. They group words quickly to help them gain meaning from what they read. Fluent readers read aloud effortlessly and with expression. Their reading sounds natural, as if they are speaking. Readers who have not yet mastered fluency read slowly, word by word. Their oral reading is choppy and plodding.

Fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension. Because fluent readers do not have to concentrate on decoding the words, they can focus their attention on what the text means. They make connections to the ideas in the text, between the text, and their background knowledge. In other words, fluent readers recognize words and comprehend at the same time. Less fluent readers, however, must focus their attention on figuring out the words, leaving them little attention for understanding text.

[]
 * //Developing Fluent Readers//**: An article that explains how fluency develops and how to maintain this very important process.

Learn more about our fluency intervention, **Read Naturally**: [] [] An article explaining the research and rationale behind Read Naturally!

[]
 * Kididdles**: A wonderful collection of children's songs that will help younger readers gain fluency:

[] [] [] (Screen Actors Guild members reading stories to you!)
 * Audiobooks online**:

Some things to keep in mind when assessing fluency: