How can shared reading support student fluency?

Shared reading supports student fluency primarily through teacher modeling of specific skills. During shared reading sessions, the teacher demonstrates fluent reading by model pronunciation, intonation, and pacing. This live demonstration helps students understand how fluent reading sounds, providing them with a clear example to emulate. The teacher can also scaffold the reading process by explicitly teaching strategies such as phrasing, expression, and comprehension, which are essential for developing fluency. By observing and participating in this guided reading experience, students can practice these skills in a supportive environment, thereby enhancing their own reading fluency over time.

In contrast, silent reading does not provide the same level of modeling or interaction necessary for fluency development. Focusing solely on vocabulary recognition limits the broader comprehension and applicability of language skills that fluency entails. Lastly, individual assignments may not offer the collaborative practice and feedback that shared reading provides, which can significantly enhance a student's confidence and ability in reading fluently.