Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

102. Powerful Fluency Instruction & Performance-Based Practices with Dr. Chase Young

July 14, 2026·1h 3m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Fluency serves as the critical bridge between accurate word reading and deep comprehension, so how can we build it? In this episode, Michelle sits down with literacy scholar, author, and educator, Dr. Chase Young shares what fluency really is, why it matters, and how teachers can transform fluency instruction from repetitive practice into engaging, meaningful learning experiences.Chase shares the research behind performance-based fluency instruction, including Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, Teddy Talks, and his evidence-based intervention framework, Read Like Us. We discuss how fluency supports comprehension, why repeated reading works, and how teachers can create classrooms where students want to practice reading.Key Takeaways:What reading fluency actually is (and what it isn't)Performance-based fluency instruction and the research behind it (like Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, and Teddy Talks)The importance of complex texts during fluency instructionThe Read Like Us intervention frameworkWays to make fluency instruction engaging, authentic, and joyfulHelpful ResourcesResources from PodcastReader’s Theatre Scripts (The Best Class)Professional Development Parent ResourcesResearch Article: Read Like Me: An Intervention for Struggling Readers (Chase Young, Stacey Lagrone, Joyce K. McCauley)Research Article: Promoting Fluency Through Challenge: Repeated Reading with Texts of Varying Complexity (Jake Downs, Chase Young, Alycia Cole)Research Article: Promoting Reading Accuracy and Fluency Outcomes with Complex Texts: A Grade 3 Intervention Comparison (Jake Downs, Elfrieda Hiebert, Kristen Conradi Smith, Katie Martz)Connect with Dr. Chase Young:Email: chaser@literrific.comLinkedInX: @ChaseJYoung1Website: https://www.thebestclass.org/Website: http://www.literacylive.orgThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @log

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