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Fluency: A Byproduct of Decoding?

Madeline Waters • March 10, 2025
"Fluency is not an instructional target. It is the result of decoding instruction that leads to automatic word recognition."

"If a child can decode accurately and automatically, they do not need fluency practice."

"Fluency is an outcome of good decoding not a process to go through."

"Fluency is a byproduct of solid word recognition skills and not its own distinct subskill."

Have you ever heard someone say that reading fluency is just a natural byproduct of learning phonics? This idea has been a point of conversation lately in many literacy spaces, and surprisingly, it's not sparking much debate. Is reading fluency just a natural byproduct of decoding development? If only it were that simple! Fluency is one of the five essential components of reading because it’s a distinct part of skilled reading. Of course, the five components don’t exist in separate vacuums; they overlap and influence each other. Naturally, this can cause some confusion. Let’s discuss the relationship between phonics, fluency, and comprehension.

There’s no doubt that automatic word recognition is a key reason why text fluency is so highly correlated with comprehension. When children can automatically read words, their cognitive load is freed up for meaning-making. Children must first develop their decoding skills in order to eventually become automatic decoders. But is an automatic decoder the same as a fluent reader?

Consider this reading sample: 

This reader is accurate and automatic, but his overall reading ability remains limited.


Now consider this reading sample: 

This reader demonstrates accuracy and automaticity on a different level. Her reading sounds like speech. She doesn't simply read the words automatically, but she is also able to connect the words automatically and with expression to effectively convey meaning. This is a fluent reader.


Even with extensive phonics instruction and practice, many children still struggle to read well—with fluency. That’s because reading fluency goes far beyond automatic word recognition. It’s an amalgamation of accuracy , rate , and expression that can be applied automatically and seamlessly to authentic texts.


ACCURACY


Phonics instruction plays a crucial role in helping children decode words correctly. But fluency instruction takes students to the next level. Developing text fluency requires a lot of practice accurately recognizing words within multiple kinds of text, including the many words that are frequent in the language but less decodable (and even not decodable) according to the phonics rules. Furthermore, fluent readers don’t just recognize words correctly—they recognize them within the context of meaning. Take homographs, for example. Words such as read , live , and bass can be pronounced differently depending on the context. A fluent reader doesn’t just decode words—they interpret them correctly within the sentence, applying meaning as they read.


RATE


Isolated word lists help build automaticity in recognizing individual words, but reading fluency practice allows children to apply that automaticity within connected text. Children who practice fluency engage in large amounts of meaningful reading and repeated exposure to words in context, which accelerates their ability to process words efficiently. The more exposure they have to connected text, the easier it becomes to shift from effortful decoding, through automatic word recognition, to effortless, natural reading. It's important to note that the pace of natural reading falls within a reasonable range—neither too slow nor too fast. Fluent readers are not speed readers .


EXPRESSION


Decodable books provide structured phonics practice within text—which is very useful early in a reader's development. But they often contain limited vocabulary, unnatural sentence structures, and rigid formats that don’t reflect real-world reading. Fluent readers must develop intonation, phrasing, emphasis, and natural pausing. They must be able to automatically group words and read with appropriate rhythm. These aspects of text fluency are not addressed in phonics instruction. They develop through fluency instruction that includes modeled fluent reading, lots of practice, and timely feedback.


Accuracy, rate, and expression must work together for a child to become a truly fluent reader. Developing phonics skills is necessary, but usually reading fluency does not magically occur simply because a child masters decoding. Fluency requires explicit instruction and practice. And when children eventually read fluently, we can often hear that they understand what they are reading.


At One Minute Reader, we fully support explicit, systematic phonics instruction. However, we know that text fluency is also an essential component of reading that for many students requires a dedicated effort. If your child is ready to focus on fluency, we're here to help!  One Minute Reader uses teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring to help children become confident, skilled readers. If your child needs to focus on phonics, we recommend a targeted phonics program like GATE+ that addresses all five components of reading.


To learn more about reading fluency and how to incorporate it into your reading practice, click here .

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By Anne Hauth September 23, 2025
Reading fluency is a crucial skill that bridges the gap between decoding words and understanding their meaning. One effective strategy to build fluency is repeated reading —a technique where a student reads the same text multiple times until they achieve a level of fluency that feels natural and confident. What Is Repeated Reading? Repeated reading involves selecting a short passage at an appropriate reading level--ideally at or slightly above the student's instructional level. The student reads this passage several times, focusing on improving speed, accuracy, and expression with each reading. This practice allows for mastery of the text, leading to fluent and confident reading. Fluent reading should sound like conversational speaking--natural and expressive. Why Does It Work? Research shows* that repeated reading can lead to significant improvements in reading performance. The benefits include: Improved Word Recognition : By encountering the same words repeatedly, students become more familiar with them, leading to quicker and more accurate recognition. When these words become automatic, the students no longer need to put effort into decoding them. Increased Reading Fluency : Reading the same passage multiple times allows students to build fluency--each time reading it more smoothly and with greater expression. Enhanced Comprehension : As fluency improves, students can focus more on understanding the text, leading to better comprehension. This improvement in comprehension extends to unpracticed passages as well. Increased Confidence : Repeated reading is a form of mastery learning. Many beginning or struggling readers don't often get the opportunity to hear themselves sounding like fluent readers. After reading a passage multiple times, they've mastered it--and they sound great! This is a huge confidence boost that motivates them to keep reading. Repeated Reading at Home Incorporating the repeated reading strategy into your child's home reading routine doesn't have to be complicated or boring. In fact, many kids already do it! You've probably noticed that they often want to read the same book over and over. Don't discourage this--as long as they haven't totally memorized the entire text, they're building skills each time they read it. To work on repeated reading with your child at home, here's a simple strategy: Use an Appropriate Passage : Have your child choose a new short text that is slightly challenging but still within their level. Listen to Your Child Read : Have your child read the passage aloud to you. Note any words that are difficult for them to decode. Read Aloud Together : Read the passage aloud with your child, modeling fluent reading. Do this one to three times. Identify the difficult words together, and provide definitions. Independent Practice : Encourage your child to read the passage independently a few more times, focusing on improving their expression with each reading. Celebrate Progress : Affirm how much your child improved from the first reading to the final reading. Acknowledge their hard work and progress to build confidence and motivation. Additional Tips Keep Sessions Short : Aim for 10- to 15-minute sessions at first, to maintain focus and prevent frustration. Consider Using a Timer : If your child is open to the idea, set a timer each time they read the passage. Note their improvement in time, and celebrate their fluency growth. Make the timing element a fun challenge, but emphasize that this exercise isn't about speed reading--it's about building fluency. Repeated reading is a powerful strategy that can significantly enhance your child's reading ability. If you're looking for an easy-to-use program that incorporates this research-proven strategy, check out One Minute Reader . This program uses repeated reading and gamified learning to help kids at various reading levels build fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. * Dowhower, S. L. (1987). Effects of repeated reading on second-grade transitional readers’ fluency and comprehension. Reading Research Quarterly , 22(4), 389–405. Kuhn, M. R., & Stahl, S. A. (2003). Fluency: A review of developmental and remedial practices. Journal of Educational Psychology , 95(1), 3–21. LaBerge, D., & Samuels, S. J. (1974). Toward a theory of automatic information processing in reading. Cognitive Psychology , 6(2), 292–323.
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