Fluency is the ability to read aloud with appropriate speed, expression, accuracy and automaticity.  Speed and accuracy generally increase when reading is effortless and when readers do not struggle to recognize words.  Increasing reading fluency is important as fluent readers are more able to devote their mental resources to focus on comprehension when they do not need to focus on word recognition.  Another component of fluency is the reader’s ability to demonstrate expression or prosody.

Fluency Component	Description
Accuracy	Reader makes few errors while reading.
Automaticity	Reader is able to read at an automatic rate where words are recognized and read quickly.
Prosody/Expression	This includes intonation, stress, tempo and appropriate phrasing – when applied correctly, the oral reading will take on the qualities of fluent speech.

Oral Reading Fluency Assessment:

• MASI-R Oral Reading Fluency Measure (CORE Assessing Reading Multiple Measures)
• PM Benchmark Reading Assessment Resource Kit
• DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency Assessment

Fluency Sample Activities:

• Repeated Reading
• Readers Theatre and Poetry
• Partner Reading
• Dr. Janet Mort – Reading Strategies
  • Echo Reading
  • Paired Reading
  • Come Alive Reading
• Choral Reading
• Strategy for Phrasing: Scooping Words

Fluency Resources:

• Florida Centre for Reading Research
• The Megabook of Fluency: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers (Rasinski & Smith)
• The Best Class (Reader’s Theatre) (Dr. Chase Young)
• Peer-Assistant Learning Strategy (PALS)
• Poetry in Voice (poetry bank and national competition)
• Teaching Fluency Instruction (Shanahan)

Go to:

• Phonemic Awareness
• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• Morphology
• Comprehension
• Oral Language
• Writing