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Fluency Boost: Effective Strategies for Improving Reading Speed and Accuracy

Writer's picture: Designed to LearnDesigned to Learn

Reading fluency is more than just reading fast—it's the bridge that connects word recognition to deep comprehension. When students read fluently, they can focus on understanding the story or information rather than struggling with individual words. Think of it as similar to driving a car: once the basic mechanics become automatic, you can focus on navigating to your destination.


Mastering reading fluency requires three essential skills:

  1. Speed: The ability to read text smoothly and at an appropriate pace, without stumbling or hesitating

  2. Accuracy: Precise word recognition and pronunciation, ensuring the text's meaning stays intact

  3. Prosody: The music of language—reading with proper expression, rhythm, and intonation that brings the text to life



Research shows that fluent readers are more likely to enjoy reading and engage deeply with texts. They're better equipped to tackle complex materials and tend to read more frequently, creating a positive cycle of learning and growth.


In this guide, we'll explore evidence-based strategies drawn from the science of reading and multi-sensory learning approaches. Whether you're a teacher, reading specialist, or parent, you'll discover practical techniques to help students transform from word-by-word readers into confident, fluent readers who truly understand and enjoy what they read.


The Importance of Fluency

  • Enhanced Comprehension: Fluent readers can focus on understanding the meaning of the text rather than struggling with decoding words.


  • Increased Engagement: Fluent readers are more likely to enjoy reading and become lifelong learners.


  • Improved Academic Performance: Fluency is closely linked to overall academic success, especially in subjects like language arts and literature.


Effective Strategies for Improving Fluency

  • Sight Word Practice: Research shows that sight words should not be practiced in one format for progress. Utilizing multiple formats solidifies the word picture in the mind. Choose 5-10 sight words (depending on age) to practice each week. Utilize reading them with flash cards, rows, columns, phrases, and sentences. For struggling students, point out the component of a sight word that may break the decoding rules (i.e. in “said,” the “ai” says short /e/ rather than /ay/ like in “nail”). 


  • Decodable Fluency Passages: When keeping track of fluency goals, use decodable fluency passages that utilize the skills students have already been taught rather than unfamiliar words and sounds they have not explicitly learned. Follow the same rules for practicing these passages as you would for sight word practice (see above bullet point). Take time to help students decode unfamiliar words in the passage prior to practicing the fluency passage. 


  • Vocabulary Development: Understanding vocabulary is essential in fluent reading. As you plan read alouds with your class, be sure to discuss unfamiliar vocabulary prior to reading. Including the word, definition, and a real-life picture example of the vocabulary word helps to create strong neural pathways to solidify the new information. 


Supporting Dyslexic Readers: The Power of Triple Reading

For students with dyslexia, developing reading fluency requires a structured, supportive approach that builds confidence through repetition. The Triple Reading Method provides a powerful framework that combines modeling, guidance, and independent practice—three essential elements for mastering any new skill. Specifically, this is recommended when working on the skill of prosody, mainly for older students who have mastered the phonetic patterns utilized in the fluency passages.


Picture a young musician learning a new piece: first playing it with their teacher's help, then watching the teacher demonstrate, and finally performing it independently. The Triple Reading Method follows this same natural learning progression.


  • During the first reading, the student takes the lead while receiving gentle guidance and correction from their parent or teacher. This initial read-through helps identify challenging words and establishes a foundation for improvement.


  • The second reading flips the script—now the parent reads aloud while the student follows along. This modeling phase is crucial; it demonstrates proper pacing, expression, and pronunciation, giving the student a clear target to aim for. It's like watching an expert craftsperson before attempting the task yourself.


  • Finally, the third reading allows the student to put everything together. Armed with the confidence from practice and the example they've just observed, students often show remarkable improvement in this final reading. The progression from supported to independent reading helps build both skills and self-assurance, making the entire process less daunting and more rewarding.



By implementing these strategies and tailoring them to the individual needs of your students, you can significantly improve their reading fluency. Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and a safe, positive, and truly supportive learning environment. With the right tools and techniques, your students can become confident, fluent readers who enjoy the joy of the written word.








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Structured Literacy Trained Reading Expert in Kansas
Academic Language Therapy Association Certified Dyslexia Professional in Wichita, Kansas
Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) Registered Reading Instructor in the State of Kansas Reading Help
Dyslexia Tutor backed by the Academic Language Therapy Association
Orton-Gillingham Trained Multisensory Phonics Instructor in Kansas

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