Episode Details

Episode 90: In this episode, Beth breaks down one of the most important (and most misunderstood) reading skills: fluency. She explains why knowing letter sounds doesn't automatically lead to easy reading, what the real bridge between decoding and comprehension looks like, and simple, science-backed ways parents can help their child become a stronger, more confident reader at home.

What you'll learn

• What reading fluency actually means and why it matters
• The three components of fluent reading: accuracy, rate, and expression
• Why fluency is about far more than reading quickly
• How fluency supports reading comprehension
• The connection between decoding skills and fluent reading
• Signs your child may need extra fluency support
• Five simple ways to build reading fluency at home
• Why rereading favorite books can be incredibly powerful
• How strong fluency builds lasting reading confidence

Topics science of reading, reading fluency, reading comprehension, decoding, phonics, accuracy, reading rate, expression, early literacy, structured literacy, reading confidence, parent tips, foundational reading skills

About the host Beth Gaskill (Miss Beth) is a reading specialist, early childhood educator, and founder of Big City Readers. She helps parents support their children's literacy development through research-backed, science of reading strategies.