“Phonics is the topic that we focus on when we talk about the science of reading, but fluency has got to be part of that equation as well.”

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education at Kent State University, joins us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of developing reading fluency as part of effective literacy instruction. Having written over 200 articles and 50 books, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into how fluency acts as the critical bridge between decoding and comprehension.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Fluency: Fluency is not just about speed; it encompasses automaticity in word recognition and prosody, which reflects expression in reading.
• The Art of Teaching Fluency: Effective fluency instruction combines scientific strategies with creative teaching methods to engage students.
• Repeated Reading and its Impact: Repeated practice improves specific text fluency and enhances general reading abilities.
• Home and School Collaboration: It is crucial to engage parents in their children’s reading development. Simple strategies, like reading and discussing poetry at home, can make a significant difference.
• The Future of Reading Instruction: Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. .,  emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach beyond phonics to include motivation and cognition, integrating the art of teaching with the science of reading.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 His  journey from economics to literacy education

05:30 The misunderstood aspects of fluency 

08:25 Discussion on the effectiveness of repeated reading practice

15:36 The impact of balanced daily reading instruction

19:30 Practical tips for parents to support reading fluency at home

27:55 Comprehensive elements of the Science of Reading research and the future of literacy instruction

Connect with Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. 

E-mail: trasinsk@kent.edu 

Website: https://www.timrasinski.com/

X: @timrasinski1

Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources: https://justrightreader.com/