If you’ve ever worried that your child’s reading progress feels stuck, you’re not alone. Recent Indiana 2025 ILEARN results reveal that reading scores have barely moved in five years, with just over 40% of students reaching proficiency in English/Language Arts. 

In contrast, math scores are climbing year after year. This gap highlights what many parents already sense: reading growth can stall without the right support. One proven approach to help bridge that gap is Repeated Reading, a practice where children read the same text multiple times to build fluency, understanding, and confidence. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through what Repeated Reading is, the science behind it, its key benefits, common challenges, and practical strategies you can use at home to make it both engaging and impactful for your child.

Overview

• Repeated Reading means reading the same text several times to build fluency, comprehension, and confidence.

• Research shows it helps children at all reading levels, especially those who struggle or have learning challenges.

• Simple strategies like choosing the right texts, modelling, reading together, and tracking progress make it work best.

• Making it a short, daily habit has stronger results than long, occasional sessions.

• FunFox’s Readers Club can guide and support your child with expert teachers, small groups, and ongoing feedback.

What is Repeated Reading?

Repeated Reading is a simple, focused practice where your child reads the same passage aloud several times until they can read it smoothly and with good understanding. Instead of rushing through many different texts, this method gives them time to notice words, phrases, and sentence patterns they may have missed the first time. It helps build word recognition, improves reading speed, and deepens comprehension.

Also Read: Understanding Text and Reading Strategies

So, why does Repeated Reading work for so many children? Let’s look at what studies have found.

Scientific Backing of Repeated Reading

Studies have found that when children read the same text several times, they start to read more quickly and with fewer mistakes. This steady practice is especially helpful for kids who struggle with reading or have learning challenges. 

• As they begin to recognize words faster, their minds can focus more on the meaning of the story rather than just trying to decode each word. 

• This shift makes it easier for them to understand and enjoy what they’re reading.

Researchers also agree that Repeated Reading benefits children at all reading levels, not only those who find it hard. It helps grow vocabulary, improves pronunciation, and adds more expression to their reading voice. 

• When kids revisit a familiar passage, they can notice how much better they sound and how much more they understand. 

• That sense of progress builds confidence, and for young readers, feeling proud of their own improvement is one of the strongest motivators to keep going.

Also Read: How Writing Enhances Reading Skills

Science gives us the ‘why,’ but parents often want to know the ‘so what.’ Here’s how Repeated Reading can make a difference for your child.

Core Benefits of Repeated Reading

Repeated Reading offers many rewards for young readers, from building fluency to boosting confidence. Here are the key benefits your child can gain:

1. Reading Fluency

Repeated Reading helps your child read with smoother flow, quicker pace, and natural expression. As they become familiar with the words, they spend less energy sounding them out and more time enjoying the meaning behind them.

2. Comprehension

Reading the same text a few times allows your child to notice details they may have missed the first time. They start to understand not only the words but also the bigger message, which supports their learning at school and beyond.

3. Word Recognition and Vocabulary

The more your child sees a word, the easier it is to remember and use. This practice also helps them understand word meanings and see how sentences fit together, strengthening their overall language skills.

4. Confidence and Motivation

Each time your child sees their reading improve, it boosts their self-belief. That feeling of progress encourages them to read more and removes the stress that can come with tricky texts.

5. Pronunciation and Expression

With every reread, your child gets better at saying words clearly and using the right tone or rhythm. Their reading begins to sound more like storytelling, engaging and full of life.

6. Attention and Focus

The familiarity of Repeated Reading creates a calm, predictable routine. Knowing what comes next helps your child pay closer attention and stay connected to the story for longer periods.

Of course, like any learning approach, Repeated Reading can come with its own set of challenges.

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Challenges in Repeated Reading

While Repeated Reading can do wonders for your child’s fluency and confidence, there can be a few bumps along the way. Knowing these challenges makes it easier to work through them together and keep reading time positive.

• Boredom with the Same Text: Reading the same passage too many times can feel dull, especially if it’s too easy or not interesting for your child’s age. This can cause them to lose focus or resist reading altogether.

• Finding the Right Level: If the passage is too difficult, your child may feel stuck. If it’s too simple, it won’t push their skills forward. It often takes a little trial and error to find that “just right” level.

• Nervous About Reading Aloud: Some children feel anxious when reading aloud, worried about making mistakes or being timed. This can make them hesitant, especially if they’ve struggled with reading before.

• Reading Fatigue: Doing the same style of reading again and again without change can make your child switch off. Adding variety, such as new texts, reading with a partner, or linking the story to everyday life, can keep things fresh.

• Missing the Meaning: If the focus is only on speed and accuracy, your child might read the words without truly understanding the story. Asking simple, engaging questions helps keep comprehension at the heart of the activity.

• Losing Motivation: If progress feels slow or hard to notice, your child may want to give up. Celebrating even small steps forward and switching up the routine can help them stay encouraged.

Wondering how to make reading smoother and more fun for your child? Try a free trial and watch their confidence grow.

Every challenge has a solution, and with repeated reading, those solutions can be simple. Let’s explore some strategies.

Strategies for Implementing Repeated Reading

Helping your child get the most out of Repeated Reading isn’t about strict drills; it’s about making the experience enjoyable, consistent, and supportive. Here are some strategies you can use at home to make it work.

1. Pick Texts That Fit Your Child

Choose books or short passages that suit your child’s reading level,  not so hard that they feel stuck, but not so easy that they lose interest. For beginners, decodable readers work well. For more confident readers, go for storybooks they already enjoy.

Example: A child just starting out might read a one-minute story, like a page from Green Sheep by Mem Fox. A more advanced reader could work through a page from a picture book or an early chapter book.

2. Read It to Them First

Show them how the passage sounds by reading it aloud. Use natural expression, pause at punctuation, and keep your voice steady. Listening first helps them know what to aim for.

Example: “Listen to how I paused here,  ‘The dog ran, then he jumped.’ Now, you try.”

3. Read Together

After you’ve read it, invite your child to read it with you or repeat each sentence after you. This “echo reading” helps them copy your tone and phrasing.

Example: You read, “The kangaroo hopped across the grass.” They repeat it, matching your rhythm.

4. Notice Their Progress

Keep sessions short, just a few minutes, and help your child see how they’re improving. Use stickers, charts, or a simple notebook to record rereads and celebrate progress.

Example: After three readings, point out how much smoother their voice sounds, then draw a smiley face next to that book title on your chart.

5. Give Quick, Positive Feedback

Correct mistakes gently and celebrate when they get something right. This keeps their confidence up and makes reading enjoyable.

Example: If they say “cheep” instead of “sheep,” you might say, “Let’s try that word again,” and then praise them when they get it right.

6. Talk About the Story

When you finish, have a quick chat about what happened. This strengthens comprehension and helps them connect with the story.

Example: “What happened when the sheep got stuck? How did the farmer help?” Let them explain in their own words.

7. Make It Part of the Day

A few minutes every day works far better than long, occasional sessions. Even bedtime can be a perfect time for a reread.

Example: Read the same book each night for a week and notice together how much easier it gets each time.

Also Read: How to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

While these strategies can make a difference at home, having extra support can take your child’s reading progress even further.

How FunFox Helps Your Child Make the Most of Repeated Reading

While Repeated Reading works well at home, having expert guidance can make your child’s progress faster and more enjoyable. FunFox’s Readers Club is designed to strengthen fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in a way that fits easily into your family’s routine.

Reading Features Your Child Will Love with FunFox:

• Progress-focused feedback in every session so your child can see how far they’ve come.

• Live weekly Zoom lessons your child can join from the comfort of home.

• Expert, engaging teachers who make reading fun and meaningful.

• Small, supportive groups with 3–6 students for both interaction and personal attention.

• Lesson replays to practise again and reinforce learning anytime.

• Fun learning tools through our digital portal, including interactive worksheets and games.

Give your child a confident start with reading.

Book a Free Trial with FunFox today.

Conclusion 

By now, you know that Repeated Reading isn’t just about reading the same words again; it’s about building confidence, strengthening comprehension, and helping your child feel at ease with reading. Every reread is a step toward smoother fluency and a deeper connection with the text.

If you want your child to have this kind of progress, FunFox’s Readers Club is here to help. Our small group sessions, engaging teachers, and personalised feedback make it easier for children to enjoy reading while steadily improving their skills. We create a supportive space where your child can grow not just as a reader, but as a lifelong learner.

Book a free trial and give your child the boost they need to read with confidence and joy.

FAQs

1. Is Repeated Reading only for children who struggle with reading?

Not at all. Repeated Reading can help any child who is learning to read. For beginners, it’s a way to get familiar with words and sentence patterns. For more advanced readers, it’s a chance to build fluency, improve expression, and read more smoothly.

2. How often should my child practise Repeated Reading?

Short sessions a few times a week, around 10 to 15 minutes, work well. The key is to keep it regular so your child sees steady improvement without feeling worn out.

3. What kinds of texts work best for Repeated Reading?

Choose books or short passages that are at your child’s level, not so easy that they get bored, but not so difficult that they become frustrated. Decodable texts are a great choice because they focus on patterns your child can recognise and build upon.

4. How can I make Repeated Reading enjoyable?

Start by reading the passage aloud to show how it should sound. Then, invite your child to read it with you, paying attention to pauses, tone, and punctuation. Celebrate their progress along the way so they stay motivated.

5. Will Repeated Reading help with pronunciation?

Yes. Hearing and practising the same words and sentences several times helps your child pronounce words more clearly and develop a natural reading rhythm.

6. Can Repeated Reading improve my child’s school performance?

Absolutely. Strong reading skills, including fluency, comprehension, and confidence, are the foundation for success in all school subjects. Repeated Reading supports your child’s overall learning and gives them the confidence to tackle new challenges.