What does explicit instruction in decoding help early readers achieve?

Explicit instruction in decoding is a critical component of reading education, particularly for early readers. Decoding involves breaking words down into their individual sounds or phonemes and then blending those sounds together to read words aloud. Through explicit instruction, teachers provide direct and systematic teaching of phonics rules, sound-letter relationships, and various strategies to tackle unfamiliar words.

When early readers receive explicit instruction in decoding, they gain the skills necessary to sound out words independently. This foundational ability not only enhances their reading fluency but also supports their comprehension of texts. As they practice decoding, they develop confidence in tackling new and complex words, which is essential for fostering a love of reading and encouraging literacy development.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are either not directly related to decoding or are outcomes typically associated with different reading skills. For example, memorizing sight words involves recognition rather than decoding, while improving handwriting pertains to the physical act of writing. Speed reading, on the other hand, prioritizes fluency over the foundational decoding skills essential for early literacy. Thus, the focus on decoding through explicit instruction remains central to enabling early readers to engage with texts successfully.