What is the primary goal of reading instruction focused on fluency?

The primary goal of reading instruction focused on fluency is to ensure that students can read text smoothly and confidently. Fluency encompasses the ability to read a text aloud with appropriate speed, accuracy, and expression. When students achieve fluency, they can focus on comprehension rather than decoding words. This allows them to understand and engage with the text more meaningfully, as they are not preoccupied with the mechanical aspects of reading.

Additionally, fluency in reading supports the development of a love for reading, encourages participation in reading activities, and contributes to overall literacy development. It lays the foundation for more complex reading skills, such as critical thinking and analysis, but these are building blocks that come later, rather than the primary aim of fluency instruction.