What is a primary focus of fluency instruction in reading?

The primary focus of fluency instruction in reading is to improve students' reading speed and accuracy. Fluency is the ability to read text smoothly and with expression, which is crucial for comprehension. When students can read fluently, they are better able to focus on understanding the content rather than struggling with the mechanics of reading. This involves practicing reading aloud with proper pacing, intonation, and phrasing, which helps solidify their decoding skills and enhances their overall reading performance.

While the other options play important roles in literacy development, they are not the central aim of fluency instruction. Teaching phonics and word recognition contributes to a foundational understanding of reading but is separate from the fluency aspect. Encouraging comprehension through discussion focuses on understanding what is being read rather than how fluently it is read. Fostering a love for reading through independent books can motivate students but does not directly address the fluency they need in reading skills. Thus, the goal of fluency instruction specifically emphasizes enhancing both speed and accuracy in reading to support overall literacy development.