Why Fluency Matters (When Reading Clicks, Meaning Comes Alive)

If phonics is learning the code, fluency is learning to use it—smoothly, automatically, and with understanding.

Fluency is what makes reading feel effortless. It’s how children move from slowly decoding each word to reading with rhythm, accuracy, and expression.

Without it, even strong decoders sound robotic. They can say the words, but they don’t always grasp the story.

When reading becomes fluent, the brain shifts from working hard to recognize words to focusing on meaning. That’s the moment reading transforms from work into joy: when children don’t just read the words, they live them.

We use and recommend the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) Student Center Activities for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Check out their Fluency resources: https://fcrr.org/student-center-activities/kindergarten-and-first-grade#sca6

We love Timothy Rasinski's Fry Instant Phrases for extra practice: http://www.timrasinski.com/resources.html