Reading fluency, one of the Five Pillars of Reading, is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Reading fluency greatly influences reading comprehension. Children must be able to read fluently in order to comprehend what they read, whether they are reading aloud or silently. Fluent readers read in phrases and add appropriate intonation when reading aloud without needing to pause to decode words or look up definitions.
Fluency plays a key role in comprehension and is essential in keeping young learners motivated. When children are reading fluently, it frees up mental resources to allow them to improve their comprehension of what they are reading.