Fluency: Tips and Tricks for Growing Confident Readers

Fluency is a key component of reading success. It bridges the gap between decoding words and understanding what’s being read. When students become fluent readers, they can read smoothly, accurately, and with expression—allowing them to focus more on meaning and less on sounding out every word. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or tutor, here are some effective fluency tips and tricks you can use to help students develop strong reading skills.

1. Rereading the Same Text Builds Confidence

One of the simplest and most powerful strategies to improve fluency is rereading familiar texts. When a student reads the same passage multiple times, their speed, accuracy, and confidence naturally improve. This repeated exposure allows them to focus on phrasing and intonation rather than decoding each word. Choose short, engaging passages or books that the student enjoys to keep the experience positive and motivating.

2. Try Choral Reading for Teamwork and Rhythm

Choral reading involves a group of readers reading a passage out loud together. This approach helps build fluency by reducing the pressure on individual readers and creating a supportive reading environment. It also models appropriate pacing and expression, which students can mimic. Choral reading is especially effective in classrooms, small groups, or one-on-one sessions when the adult reads alongside the child.

3. Discover the Power of Poetry

Reading poetry aloud is a fun and effective way to enhance fluency. Poems naturally emphasize rhythm, pacing, and expression, making them perfect for fluency practice. Start with short, rhyming poems that are light-hearted or silly to keep students engaged. Encourage dramatic readings and repeated practice to build flow and confidence.

4. Perform with Reader’s Theatre

Reader’s theatre combines the benefits of repeated reading and performance. Students read scripts aloud (without memorization), taking on character roles. This type of reading requires expressive voices, attention to punctuation, and clear articulation—all of which strengthen fluency. Reader’s theatre is a great way to make reading feel purposeful and fun, and it builds oral language skills in addition to fluency.

5. Strengthen Decoding Skills Along the Way

While fluency is the goal, don’t forget that it’s built on the foundation of strong decoding skills. If a child is frequently stumbling over unfamiliar words, pause and work on phonics patterns and word recognition. Fluency doesn’t come from guessing words—it comes from recognizing them automatically. Learn more about our dyslexia intervention program and how we support decoding skills through explicit, multisensory instruction. Incorporating short decoding practice sessions into your reading time helps ensure students have the tools they need to read with ease.

Final Thoughts

Improving reading fluency takes time, patience, and a variety of strategies. By incorporating activities like rereading, choral reading, poetry, reader’s theatre, and decoding practice, you can make reading fun and productive. Fluency unlocks the door to reading comprehension and lifelong learning—let’s help our students open that door with confidence.

For more tips and tools, visit our blog on dyslexia and literacy strategies, or check out our free parent and teacher resources.