What is the primary goal of guided oral reading in improving fluency?

The primary goal of guided oral reading is to improve fluency, which entails reading smoothly and at an appropriate pace while maintaining accuracy. While enhancing comprehension skills is indeed a vital component of reading, the emphasis of guided oral reading is more directly related to increasing reading rate.

Guided oral reading practices allow students to read aloud with support from a teacher or a more skilled reader, which can help them develop a natural reading rhythm and pace. This practice encourages repeated reading of texts, which not only builds familiarity with the text but also bolsters fluency through consistent practice and feedback.

Improvement in reading fluency, achieved through guided oral reading, ultimately contributes to better comprehension skills. However, the primary focus during guided oral reading sessions is enhancing the speed and smoothness of reading, ensuring that students can read more effortlessly and with greater expression, which forms a solid foundation for overall reading skills.