Why is fluency an important aspect of reading?

Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading because it supports readers in developing the ability to read smoothly and quickly, which directly enhances comprehension. When readers are fluent, they can focus their cognitive resources on understanding the meaning of the text rather than on decoding individual words. This ease of reading allows them to maintain the flow of information, making it easier to grasp the overall message and nuances of the content.

Fluency encompasses not just speed but also accuracy and expression, which contribute significantly to a reader's engagement with the text. The ability to read fluently means that readers can process words seamlessly, thus enabling them to make connections between ideas and infer information, leading to a deeper understanding of what they read. This is why fluency is often emphasized in reading instruction, as it serves as a bridge to improved comprehension skills.