What general approach is recommended for developing reading fluency in students?

Modeling effective reading strategies is integral to developing reading fluency in students because it provides them with a clear example of how proficient reading looks and sounds. When educators model fluent reading, they can demonstrate appropriate pacing, expression, and phrasing, all of which contribute to a child's understanding of how to read fluently themselves. This approach helps students to internalize the patterns of fluent reading and encourages them to replicate those patterns in their own reading practice.

In addition to modeling, this method allows for instructional support; teachers can explicitly teach strategies such as decoding, predicting, and self-monitoring that students can use when they encounter difficulties. This hands-on guidance fosters a supportive learning environment where students can practice reading with confidence and ultimately improve their fluency over time.

Other approaches, while important in certain contexts, do not create the same comprehensive framework for student engagement and improvement in reading fluency. Focusing solely on speed may lead to a lack of comprehension, using a limited vocabulary can hinder language development, and reading with minimal guidance could leave students without the necessary support to develop their skills effectively.