Reading fluency is the ability to read words smoothly with a cadenced and vivid manner. Fluency is the ability to read a passage precisely and without delay. A fluent reader not only automatically recognizes a word in isolation but he can also read it effortlessly in a sentence. A reader who has not yet developed this skill may be able to easily recognize a word in isolation but not be able to read it smoothly in a sentence.

A child with fluent reading skills will read a passage or text out loud naturally as if he was speaking. A child without the fluent reading skill will read a passage or text aloud slowly and with many pauses. The child who can read through a text and waivers slightly for a couple of seconds to figure out a word and then continues on smoothly is still considered a fluent reader. It is when the child waivers repeatedly for more than a second or two to figure out the word that he needs help with reading fluency.

Recognizing a word instantly is an essential reading skill, but just being able to comprehend it on its own is not adequate enough. To be a fluent reader, the child must be able to identify a word quickly in seclusion and then transfer the speediness and accuracy to read it in a passage or text. As children develop the fluency skill they begin to read quickly, naturally and without hesitation. They can group words together to comprehend the text better.

Word recognition is not enough for fluent reading. Children not only need to be able to recognize the words but they also need to be able to recognize them quickly when connected to other words.

There is a difference between recognizing a word automatically and fluently. Although these two words (automatically and fluently) seem to be used interchangeably, they are not the same. Reading words automatically means reading fast and effortlessly, with instant word recognition. Fluency refers to not only reading quickly and smoothly but also reading with expression. When children are in the early stages of learning to read they may be unskilled at recognizing words. Continued practice in reading helps children automatically recognize words to make reading quick and effortless. Therefore, automatic word recognition is required, but not adequate, for fluency.

For some children, reading smoothly can be an issue. They will need direct teaching to gain fluency skills. Reading with expression means dividing phrases and sentences up in to meaningful portions. When reading, children must know when to pause and when to change the emphasis and tone used on a word or word phrase.

Fluent reading skills are very important but too often neglected. When children read out loud fluently, they are more likely to remember and comprehend the text. This is because fluent readers do not have to spend their time on figuring out the words and can spend their time on what the words mean instead.

Marie Rippel is the author of the All About Spelling program, the spelling program that is guaranteed to work. For more information, see these articles on literacy.