40. A student reads at a normal pace but with little expression. When stopped at periodic intervals, the student is able to accurately summarize the reading. In this case, the teacher should first target instruction in which of the following areas?
Answer: A
Instruction should first target prosody.
Focusing on prosody is essential for the student, as it addresses the expressive reading skills that enhance overall comprehension and engagement with the text. Since the student reads with little expression, improving prosody will help to convey meaning and emotion, leading to a more dynamic reading experience.
A) Prosody
Prosody involves the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. Since the student exhibits a lack of expression while reading, targeting prosody will help the student develop a more engaging reading style, making it easier for them to connect with the text and convey its emotional nuances. Improving prosody is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the reading material.
B) Automaticity
Automaticity refers to the ability to read smoothly and effortlessly. While this is important, the student is already capable of accurately summarizing the reading, which indicates a level of understanding and fluency. Therefore, focusing on automaticity may not address the immediate need for more expressive reading skills.
C) Decoding
Decoding pertains to the ability to interpret written words and translate them into spoken language. Since the student is able to summarize the text accurately, it suggests that decoding skills are likely adequate. Thus, instruction should not primarily focus on this area at this time.
D) Comprehension
Comprehension involves understanding the meaning of the text. While the student can summarize effectively, the lack of expression in their reading may impact their ability to fully grasp the emotional and contextual elements of the material. However, enhancing prosody is a foundational step that can subsequently improve comprehension.
Conclusion
Targeting prosody is essential for the student's development, as it directly addresses their expressive reading challenges. While other areas like automaticity, decoding, and comprehension are important, they do not prioritize the immediate need for more expressive reading. By focusing on prosody, the student can enhance their overall reading experience and understanding of the text.