Reading Fluency

Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression.  Fluency is important because it provides a bridge between word recognition and comprehension.  When fluent readers read silently, 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 developed fluency read slowly, word by word.  Their oral reading is choppy.  It is critical that sixth graders read for a minimum for 50 minutes per day in order to build and maintain reading fluency.