Rereading to Get Smoother

Reading something again is a great way to get smoother. The first time, you work out the words. The second time, you know them, so you can focus on phrasing. The third time, you can add expression. Here is a short passage: 'The wind blew.

The leaves danced. Lily ran to catch one. ' First read: you figure out 'danced. ' Second read: you group the words. Third read: your voice sounds playful, like the leaves. Each time it gets easier.

Athletes practice the same move many times, and readers can too.

• 1Rereading makes reading smoother.
• 2First read for words, then phrasing, then expression.
• 3Practice the same passage a few times.