What instructional focus will best support a student with poor decoding skills?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of practicing both isolated words and connected text, which is crucial for improving decoding skills in struggling readers. Isolated word practice allows students to focus on decoding individual words without the added complexity of sentence structure or context, enabling them to strengthen their letter-sound knowledge and phonemic awareness. This fundamental skill is essential for building a solid foundation in reading.

Connected text practice plays a critical role as well, as it helps students apply their decoding skills in a more authentic reading context. This dual approach ensures that they not only recognize words in isolation, but also gain fluency and confidence by reading complete sentences and passages. It allows them to see how words connect and form meaning within a larger context, ultimately reinforcing their understanding of language and increasing their overall reading ability.

In contrast, focusing on grammar rules for writing does not directly address decoding skills and may divert attention from reading practice. Extensive exposure to multisyllabic words can overwhelm students who are still struggling with basic decoding, as these words require advanced phonics skills that they may not yet possess. Lastly, comprehension exercises above grade-level can prove to be frustrating and discouraging for students with poor decoding skills, as they may find themselves unable to understand texts that they are not ready to