Which strategy can help improve student reading fluency?

The strategy of repeated reading of the same text is highly effective in improving student reading fluency. This approach allows students to practice reading the same passage multiple times, which helps to build automaticity in word recognition, enhances comprehension, and increases overall confidence in their reading abilities. When students engage in repeated readings, they become more familiar with the text structure and vocabulary, leading to smoother and more expressive reading. This practice not only reinforces the words being read but also gives students an opportunity to focus on phrasing and intonation, which are crucial for fluent reading.

In contrast, independent silent reading may not provide the same level of practice and reinforcement of specific texts as repeated reading, particularly if students do not encounter the same challenging words repeatedly. Listening to audiobooks presents a different type of engagement that does not require students to actively decode words themselves, which is essential for developing fluency. Skimming texts quickly doesn’t support the in-depth processing of language that is needed for fluency, as it prioritizes speed over accuracy and understanding. Hence, repeated reading is a well-supported method for enhancing fluency in reading.