Why is fluency important in reading?

Fluency in reading is crucial because it enables smooth and comprehensible reading, which significantly impacts a reader's overall comprehension and enjoyment of the text. When a reader is fluent, they can recognize words automatically and accurately, allowing them to focus their cognitive resources on understanding the meaning of the text rather than decoding individual words. This fluency facilitates a more natural and connected reading experience, leading to better retention and engagement with the material. Effective fluency involves a balance of speed, accuracy, and prosody (the rhythm and flow of speech), which together contribute to the ability to interpret and derive meaning effectively from the written words.