What: Fluency Development Lessons (FDL) are daily 10-15 minute lessons that integrate several of the principles of effective fluency instruction within a lesson: modeling of fluent reading, oral support for students as they read practicing repeated readings of a text, and focusing on specific prosodic elements while reading. It is designed to target the essential elements of fluency: speed, accuracy, and prosody in order to help students read smoothly with appropriate intonation.

Who: It is applicable to students of all ages- with the appropriate focus element.

When: FDL are considered a stand-alone strategy, or one not having to be directly related to a text. However, if done as part of a reading text lesson, it would generally be considered a DURING reading strategy.

Why: FDL is designed to help students learn to read smoothly and with appropriate intonation.

How: The teacher selects the text, usually a short (50-200 words) and in any format (ex. Poetry, charts, short stories). All students should have a copy of the text or at least should be able to clearly see the text during all aspects of the lesson: modeled reading by the teacher, practiced reading by the students, etc. The teacher reads the passage aloud fluently while students listen. The teacher briefly discusses the passage and with the help of students points out places in the text where it was read differently (louder, slower, etc.). The teacher rereads the passage with students paying attention to the identified “fluency points.” Students read the text with the teacher trying to mimic his/her reading. The reading can be in a variety of forms (choral, antiphonal, echo). Students work with a partner and practice reading with one another providing appropriate support, encouragement, and feedback.