How can fluency be seen as a bridge in literacy?

Fluency serves as a critical bridge in literacy by facilitating the transition from basic decoding skills to more advanced comprehension and analytical abilities. When individuals become fluent readers, they are not just able to recognize words; they can also understand meaning, infer concepts, and engage with texts at a deeper level. This represents a progression from low-level learning, where basic understanding of letters and sounds occurs, to higher-level cognitive processes, such as critical thinking and synthesis of ideas.

As fluency develops, it enables learners to focus less on the mechanics of reading and more on the content and context of what they are reading. This shift is crucial for academic success and for developing a love of reading that promotes lifelong learning and literacy engagement. Understanding fluency in this way highlights its importance as a foundational skill necessary for mastering more complex literacy tasks.