What is a primary goal of developing reading fluency in students?

Developing reading fluency in students primarily aims to increase overall comprehension and reading enjoyment. Fluency refers to the ability to read text smoothly and accurately at a reasonable pace, which plays a crucial role in understanding what is being read. When students are fluent readers, they can focus more on the meaning of the text rather than on decoding individual words. This allows for a deeper engagement with the material, making reading a more pleasurable and rewarding experience.

Moreover, improved reading fluency correlates with better comprehension because students can more easily process and integrate information, leading to enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills. Enjoyment in reading often stimulates a desire to read more, further reinforcing both fluency and comprehension over time. By fostering these skills, educators help create confident, capable readers who are more likely to engage with a wide range of texts.