What instructional strategy best reinforces phonological awareness in struggling readers?

The choice of leading students in clapping for each syllable effectively reinforces phonological awareness, particularly for struggling readers. This activity engages students in a tactile and auditory experience that aids in the recognition of syllable segmentation, which is a core component of phonological awareness. As they clap, students physically connect with the sounds of the words, promoting an understanding of how words can be broken down into smaller sound units. This kinesthetic approach not only helps students to hear the rhythm and structure of words but also makes learning fun and interactive, encouraging participation and enhancing memory retention.

In contrast, the other strategies mentioned do not focus as directly on phonological awareness. Providing reading worksheets for practice might help with reading skills in general, but it lacks the engagement and active participation necessary for reinforcing phonological concepts. Encouraging silent reading of multisyllabic words does not actively involve practicing phonological skills, as it relies on individual interpretation rather than auditory and kinetic reinforcement. Assigning peer tutoring sessions can be beneficial, but without specific focus on phonological awareness activities like clapping, its effectiveness may vary greatly depending on the nature of the tutoring and the skills of the students involved.