What is "fluency", and why does it matter?

Fluency, or the ability to read in a particular language, is measured through three key components: accuracy, speed, and prosody. So let's break it down further and unpack what each of these skills encompasses.

1. Accuracy

   "Accuracy" refers to a student's ability to correctly pronounce and understand grade-level words. Accuracy also includes a student's ability to"de-code" unfamiliar words-- to break them down into smaller parts and sounds-- in order to figure out how these unfamiliar words are pronounced.

   
   

2. Speed

   Speed refers to the number of words a student can correctly read in one minute. Unusually slow reading can lead to errors in comprehension. Typically, students start to read more quickly with practice and time.

   
   

3. Prosody

"Prosody" is a student's ability to read aloud with expression. This includes the use of inflection, appropriate pauses to acknowledge punctuation, and changes in pitch and tone.

Fluency is necessary for reading comprehension, as disjointed reading can make it difficult to connect the meanings of words, phrases, and clauses into a bigger idea. If you have noticed that your child is having trouble grasping overall meanings or plot points in books, it's possible that they are struggling with fluency. Working with a tutor or reading specialist to increase skills in these three key areas will help your child on their way to mastering the English language.

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