Why is fluency significant in reading?

Fluency is significant in reading because it allows readers to focus on the meaning of the text instead of the mechanics of decoding each word. When readers are fluent, they can read smoothly and effortlessly, which frees up cognitive resources that would otherwise be used for decoding. This increases their ability to engage with and comprehend the material, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of information. Consequently, fluency is a critical component of effective reading instruction, as it directly impacts comprehension skills, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the narrative or information presented without being bogged down by word recognition issues.