What are the stages of reading development?

The stages of reading development are best represented by the sequence of pre-reading, early reading, transitional reading, and fluent reading. This progression illustrates how children advance through different phases as they develop their reading skills.

Pre-reading typically involves activities that set the foundation for literacy, including listening to stories and understanding that print carries meaning. In the early reading stage, children begin to decode words and develop a basic understanding of phonics, while also recognizing familiar sight words.

As they transition to the transitional reading stage, children improve their ability to read more complex texts and start to make connections between what they read and their own experiences. Finally, in the fluent reading stage, readers can read with speed, accuracy, and expression, allowing them to engage deeply with a variety of texts.

This framework highlights the developmental nature of reading and helps educators tailor instruction to meet the needs of learners at different stages. The other options do not fully encapsulate the comprehensive stages or the nuances of how reading development occurs over time.