Rapid Automatic Naming & Processing Speed Activities

Strengthen Reading Fluency, Processing Speed, and Visual Tracking

Teaching students to master reading fluency, comprehension, and writing can be difficult when underlying cognitive processing skills are weak. One of the most important—and often overlooked—skills is Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN).

RAN is the ability to quickly and accurately retrieve information from memory, such as naming objects, letters, numbers, or symbols. Research shows that weaknesses in RAN are common in children with dyslexia and other learning differences, and that slow or inefficient naming is one of the strongest predictors of reading difficulties. The good news: RAN can be improved through structured practice, leading to gains in reading fluency, attention, memory, and processing speed.

What Is Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)?

Have you ever struggled to recall the name of something you know well? That’s RAN in action. It involves a symphony of skills:

• Visual tracking
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Sound-symbol association
• Word retrieval and fluency

By strengthening RAN, students create faster, easier-to-access neural pathways, supporting reading, writing, vocabulary recall, and overall academic success.

What Is Processing Speed?

Processing speed is the time it takes to perceive information, make sense of it, and respond. Students with slow processing speed often work harder and take longer to complete tasks. Improving this skill helps learners think faster, learn more efficiently, and feel more confident.

What Is Tracking?

Tracking is the ability to smoothly move the eyes across a page of text and from one line to another. Strong tracking skills are essential for fluent reading, accurate scanning, and comprehension. This program includes activities arranged in rows and sets, giving learners daily practice with this foundational skill.

How This Program Helps

This resource offers 49 engaging activities designed to strengthen:

• Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)
• Processing speed
• Visual tracking
• Vocabulary and word retrieval
• Visual attention and perception
• Sound-symbol association

The activities work like memory and matching games, making learning fun and effective. Students practice these skills through colorful, interactive exercises that motivate them to improve while reducing frustration.

Who Can Use This Resource?

This program is ideal for:

• Learning specialists and educational therapists
• Speech and language pathologists
• Teachers and interventionists
• Practitioners working with struggling learners
• Homeschooling parents
• Adults looking to sharpen processing speed and fluency

Easy to Use, Online and In-Person

The resources can be used one-on-one, in small groups, or even with competitive play for motivation. Each activity is designed to feel like a game, so students learn while having fun. Progress can be tracked with the Growth Tracker (included in Module 2).

Benefits of This Resource Library

• 📂 Access all images and activities in one easy location
• 📊 Track growth with the downloadable Growth Tracker
• 💰 Save time and money—no printing, flash cards, or extra materials needed
• ⏱ Reduce prep time—all activities are ready to use instantly
• 🎮 Motivate learners with fun, game-like practice

With consistent use, these Rapid Automatic Naming & Processing Speed Activities help students build stronger reading fluency, improve processing efficiency, and gain confidence in the classroom and beyond.