The Benefits of Repeated Reading

In this post, I explain what Repeated Reading is and how it helps beginning readers build fluency and comprehension. I provide you with a routine for using repeated reading in your classroom and offer you FREE decodable passages that are the perfect resource to help you implement this practice with your students!

Teaching students how to read fluently is not always easy, but it is important. While decoding skills are essential, true reading success happens when students can read smoothly, accurately, and with understanding.

One strategy that has been found to help build reading fluency for beginning readers is Repeated Reading.

In this post, I’ll explain what repeated reading is and share the benefits of having your students practice repeated reading. Then, I offer a simple routine for you to use in your classroom and show you how my decodable texts can be used for repeated readings. Finally, I leave you with FREE decodable texts so you can begin practicing repeated reading in your classroom today! 

What Is Repeated Reading?

Repeated reading is a strategy where students read the same text multiple times to help build their accuracy, fluency, and expression. The goal is to improve:

• Word recognition
• Reading rate (automaticity)
• Prosody (expression and phrasing)
• Comprehension 

The Benefits of Repeated Reading

Research shows that repeated exposure to the same text helps students become more efficient, fluent, and engaged readers. We often see students who can show understanding of a phonics skill when they are explicitly taught, but when asked to apply the skill when reading text they have difficulty. Repeated readings offer students the opportunity to apply the skills they have been taught. We know that application is how skills stick!

Additionally, repeated reading …

1️⃣ Boosts Word Recognition & Automaticity

The more students see a word, the faster they recognize it! Repeated reading reduces the cognitive load of decoding, allowing students to focus on meaning and expression

2️⃣ Improves Reading Fluency & Expression

Fluency isn’t just about speed—it’s about reading with appropriate phrasing, tone, and rhythm. With each reread, students gain confidence in their ability to read smoothly.

3️⃣ Enhances Comprehension

Once students decode words more automatically, they can shift their mental energy towards understanding the text. 

4️⃣ Builds Confidence & Motivation

Beginning readers often feel frustrated when tackling new texts. Repeated readings give them a sense of achievement as they experience immediate improvement with each reread.

A Routine for Repeated Reading

Here’s a simple 5-step routine you can use to make repeated reading effective and engaging:

Step 1: Choose a decodable passage

Choose a decodable passage that students can read with very few errors.  The students should be able to read the passage in 1-2 minutes (50-200 words).

Step 2: Model Fluent Reading

Read the passage aloud with proper expression and pacing. This helps students hear what fluent reading sounds like.

Step 3: First Independent Read

Have students read the passage on their own (or with a partner). At this stage, focus on accuracy and decoding.  If they get stuck on a word, provide the student with the unknown word after 3-5 seconds.

Step 4: Repeated Readings for Fluency

Students reread the passage 2-3 more times, aiming for smoother, more expressive reading each time.  Provide corrective feedback as needed.

There are a variety of ways students can reread the texts. Try these different options to help keep repeated reading engaging and fun for your students:

• Partner reading
• Have students listen to the story read aloud on a CD or tablet and encourage them to read along
• Have students record themselves reading the text aloud on tablet/iPad
• Allow students to time themselves reading and chart their progress

Step 5: Discuss & Reflect

Ask students comprehension questions or have them reflect on their progress.  e.g., “Did you notice your reading improving?”

The Best Decodable Texts for Repeated Reading

My Decodable Passages with Comprehension Questions are the perfect resource to use for repeated readings. These texts are ideal for K-2 students and align to a research-based systematic phonics scope and sequence. 

One feature that makes this resource unique is that every book includes a QR Code which allows students to listen to the story read aloud by a fluent reader.  This is an awesome feature for students who are practicing repeated reading.  Students can access the QR code at school or at home! 

Each Decodable Passage Also Includes:

✔ Explicit lesson plans with suggested pacing, as well as activities for before, during, and after reading.

✔ Blending lines to practice phonics skills before reading.

✔ Printable passages with comprehension questions so students can reread and build fluency and comprehension, and a QR code so students can hear the passage read aloud.

FREE Decodable Texts

To help you begin repeated readings in your classroom, I’m offering 5 FREE Decodable Passages! 🎉

This free sample includes 5 FREE decodable passages with comprehension questions. You’ll also get explicit lesson plans and student printables that include the QR code so they can listen to the passage read aloud!

I hope the information and resources I have shared here today help you to bring the practice of repeated reading to your classroom! It is a simple, high-impact strategy that can transform your students’ fluency, comprehension, and confidence. 

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