What is an advantage of using poems for fluency practice in early readers?

Using poetry for fluency practice in early readers is beneficial because poetry is inherently designed to be read aloud, which encourages expression and intonation. When students read poems, they are often motivated to reread them multiple times. This repetition not only aids in solidifying the words and rhythms in their memory but also helps them to construct meaning through engagement with the text's patterns and sounds. The emphasis on auditory learning in poetry cultivates a deeper understanding of language, enhances pronunciation, and allows students to explore emotions and themes effectively.

While shorter texts and less vocabulary might make poems accessible, the primary advantage of poetry lies in its auditory nature and the invitation to engage with the language in varied ways. Singing poems adds an element of enjoyment but is not the core benefit linked directly to fluency.