Fluency

Reading fluency can sometimes be difficult to understand. The equation for obtaining a fluency number is rather easy. It’s the average of the rate and accuracy. The equation looks like this:

‍ (Rate + Accuracy) / 2

The rate is how fast an individual reads, while accuracy is the number of words they read correctly. It would seem that both of these numbers are equally important. However, if we read quickly and misread words repeatedly, we don’t store those words in our brains. For example, if a child reads the word “big” correctly once but reads it as “dig” the next time, then the brain does not store the word “big.” It’s important to read words correctly.

To do this, children may need to slow down at first. They need to read material they already know to decode, so they have a greater chance of reading the word correctly and retaining it. We don’t have to actively read words that we already have stored. The more words we have stored, the faster we can read.

As educators, we need to set our students up for success. If the word is “big,” as the teacher, I can ask what the first letter is. Then I can ask what sound that letter makes. I help the child determine the difficult sounds before they begin trying to decode (read) words. I want them to read the word successfully.

If you hear nothing else, read for accuracy, not for speed.