Which instructional approach is ideal for students with difficulties in decoding and pronunciation of homographs?

Engaging in contextual reading of homographs is particularly beneficial for students struggling with decoding and pronunciation because it allows them to see the words in sentences where the meaning and usage are clarified by the surrounding text. This approach helps students connect the spelling of the homographs with their various meanings, thus improving their decoding skills.

Contextual reading offers the opportunity for students to practice pronunciations and understand how meaning influences usage. By encountering homographs within a context, students can better understand that pronunciation might change based on meaning, which helps solidify their knowledge and application of these complex words. This method also encourages active engagement with the text, fostering a deeper understanding of language nuances.

In contrast, promoting silent reading techniques may not provide the immediate feedback or support that students need for difficult words. Group discussions about language use could enhance understanding, but they may not directly address the decoding challenges tied to homographs. Similarly, simplifying vocabulary lists may help learners in the short term but will not develop their proficiency in dealing with homographs specifically. Thus, contextual reading directly targets and supports the development of skills necessary for understanding and using homographs effectively.