Fluent reading can best be described as the bridge between decoding and comprehension. And teaching students decoding skills is how the bridge of reading fluency is built.
“The remarkable advances in neural imaging research allow scientists to look closely at the process of fluent reading and how fluent reading is developed. Researchers are learning fluent or ‘fast’ reading utilizes a neural ‘expressway’ to process words. This ‘fast reading area’ of fluency is different from the slow phonologic processing pathways used by beginning readers. With fluent reading, a quick look at the word activates a stored neural model that allows not only ‘fast’ reading but also includes correct pronunciation and understanding of the word.”
“Importantly, the neuroscientists are learning more about how this fluency is developed. Fluent reading is established after the individual reads the word at least four times using accurate phonologic processing (slow accurate sounding out).”
“Fluency is built word by word and entirely dependent on repeated, accurate, sounding out the specific word. Fluency is not established by ‘memorizing’ what words look like but rather by developing correct neural-phonologic models of the word.” (Gagen, Miscese. “Reading Fluency Explained.” Article taken from www.righttrackreading.com. © Gagen, 2007.)
In order to process words phonologically, students must be given systematic phonics instruction to help build those neural pathways. When an individual uses the correct phonological processing pathways to sound out words, repeating that process and building fluency one word at a time to move to the ‘fast reading area’ then true fluency is happening. The decoding is happening, but it is now automatic.
The key components to developing fluency are:
(1) Ensure that students are reading using proficient phonologic pathways by teaching them with an effective, direct, systematic phonics program
(2) Teach the students all of the necessary sounds and strategies so they can process print proficiently
(3) Sufficiently practice with strategies such as rapid word recognition, guided oral reading, speed drills, and/or choral reading
Building fluency and crossing over the bridge to reading comprehension is work. Reading Horizons offers the available tools, strategies, and support needed to get the job done quickly and affordably. Try a free trial today!