What Smooth Reading Sounds Like

Fluent reading sounds like talking. A fluent reader says the words right, reads at a good speed, and uses a voice that matches the words. Listen to two ways to read 'The dog ran to the park. ' A choppy reader says 'The. Dog. Ran. To. The. Park.

' with a stop after every word. A fluent reader says it in one easy breath, just like telling a friend. Both readers knew every word, but only one sounded smooth. Fluency helps you, too.

When you are not stuck on each word, you can think about what the story means.

• 1Fluent reading sounds like talking.
• 2Say the words right, at a good speed, with expression.
• 3Smooth reading helps you understand the story.