What is the most effective method for developing students' reading fluency?

Repeated reading is recognized as one of the most effective methods for developing students' reading fluency because it involves having students read the same text multiple times. This approach allows for the reinforcement of word recognition and comprehension, leading to increased speed and accuracy in reading. When students repeatedly encounter the same words and phrases, they become more familiar and comfortable with the language, which in turn reduces cognitive load and allows for smoother reading.

The technique also encourages students to focus on expression and phrasing, which are key elements of fluency. As they practice with the same text, they can work on improving their intonation and rhythm, leading to more expressive reading. Additionally, it builds confidence in their reading abilities, as students often experience growth through practice.

Collaborative reading, storytelling, and silent reading have their own benefits but do not target fluency development as directly as repeated reading. While collaborative reading promotes social interaction and can enhance comprehension through discussions, it does not specifically focus on the individual’s fluency through practice of the same text. Storytelling can inspire a love of reading and develop understanding of narrative structure but does not inherently improve reading fluency skills. Silent reading is beneficial for independent practice and comprehension but may not provide the systematic repetition needed to enhance fluency.