In early literacy, what is the role of modeling fluent reading during instruction?

• A. To demonstrate fluent reading and provide a model for students to imitate.
• B. To test students on memory of text.
• C. To assess handwriting speed.
• D. To measure spelling accuracy.

Answer: (A)

Modeling fluent reading shows students what fluent reading sounds like—smooth pace, expression, and natural phrasing, with accurate decoding. When you read aloud with appropriate intonation and pauses, students hear how punctuation guides rhythm and how text should be chunked into meaningful phrases. This gives them a concrete example to imitate during their own practice, helping them develop fluency and, as a result, their comprehension becomes easier because they can focus more on understanding than on sounding out every word. The purpose isn’t about memory checks, handwriting speed, or spelling accuracy; those are different skills, while modeling fluent reading specifically provides a live model for students to echo.