Which strategy helps teachers support an appropriate reading rate in students?

• A. Model fluent reading and use timed repeated reading exercises.
• B. Focus exclusively on vocabulary.
• C. Have students spell words aloud.
• D. Provide only silent reading time.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is building reading fluency, which includes reading with an appropriate pace that supports understanding. Modeling fluent reading aloud gives students a clear exemplar of how fast to read and how to chunk phrases with expression, so they hear what good pace and prosody sound like. Pairing that with timed repeated reading exercises lets students practice reading passages again and again within a set time, gradually increasing speed while focusing on accuracy and comprehension. The combination helps students internalize a natural, efficient rate without sacrificing meaning, and it provides ongoing feedback that supports steady improvement. Focusing only on vocabulary, having students spell words aloud, or giving only silent reading time doesn’t provide the model or structured practice needed to develop a comfortable and effective reading rate.