Learning and Teaching

One of the most important skills young readers develop is oral reading fluency. But what exactly is it—and how can you help your child grow in this area?

What is Oral Reading Fluency?

Oral reading fluency is the ability to read a text aloud accurately, quickly, and with expression. Fluent readers sound natural and confident—they don't have to stop and sound out every word, which allows them to focus on understanding what they’re reading.

Fluency acts as a bridge between decoding words and understanding what those words mean. Without fluency, reading can feel choppy, slow and frustrating for children.

Why Does It Matter?

Fluency is closely linked to reading comprehension. A child who reads fluently is more likely to understand and enjoy what they read. It's like learning to ride a bike—once pedalling becomes second nature, the rider can focus on where they're going rather than just staying upright!

How Can You Help at Home?

Here are a few simple ways to support oral reading fluency at home:

1. Read Aloud Together
   • Take turns reading pages or sentences.
   • Model how to read with expression and proper pacing.
2. Practice Favourite Books
   • Repeated readings of familiar books build confidence and smoothness.
   • Encourage your child to reread books they enjoy.
3. Echo Reading
   • Read a sentence or paragraph first, and have your child repeat it after you.
   • This helps them match your tone, speed, and pronunciation.
4. Use Audiobooks
   • Listen to audiobooks while following along in print.
   • Hearing fluent reading supports rhythm and pacing.
5. Celebrate Progress
   • Recognise improvements, no matter how small.
   • Praise their effort and their willingness to practice.

Building fluency takes time and practice and your encouragement makes a big difference. Together, we can help your child become a confident, fluent reader—one page at a time!