What is the impact of repeated reading on fluency?

Repeated reading is a strategy that has been shown to enhance reading fluency, which is the ability to read smoothly and accurately. When students engage in repeated readings of the same text, they become more familiar with the words, phrases, and structures within that text. This familiarity leads to improvements in several areas critical to fluency.

First, repeated reading typically results in increased reading speed because as students practice, they memorize portions of the text, allowing them to recognize words more quickly. Additionally, accuracy improves as repetition reduces the likelihood of mistakes, enabling a smoother reading experience. Finally, expression is enhanced because students often develop a better understanding of the text's tone and rhythm through repeated readings, allowing them to convey meaning more effectively through their voice.

Overall, this practice targets key components of reading fluency, leading to a significant boost in a student’s overall reading ability.