What is a common characteristic of students in the fluent reading stage?

In the fluent reading stage, a key characteristic of students is their ability to automatically recognize a vast number of sight words. This automaticity allows them to read more quickly and with greater comprehension because they do not need to spend significant time decoding each word. Fluent readers have typically developed a strong sight word vocabulary, which facilitates smoother reading and enables them to focus on understanding the text rather than getting bogged down by individual word recognition.

In contrast, other characteristics such as decoding words letter by letter or reading aloud with difficulty are common in earlier stages of reading development, where learners are still mastering the basics of written language. Additionally, requiring constant support for comprehension suggests that a student may not have yet reached fluency, indicating they still struggle with understanding texts independently. Thus, the ability to recognize sight words automatically is a hallmark of fluent readers, enabling a more efficient and effective reading experience.