Chapter 4
What is phonics?
Phonics is the teaching of within-word correspondences between the phonemes of spoken English and the graphemes of written English.
What is reading fluency?
Reading fluency is the accurate reading of connected text at a conversational rate with appropriate prosody.
What is the difference between active and passive vocabulary?
Active vocabulary includes words that are understood and used, while passive vocabulary consists of words that are only understood.
What are inference questions in reading?
Inference questions require readers to draw conclusions based on text information rather than direct statements.
Why is phonics instruction important for teachers?
It helps teachers understand how writing represents sounds, which is crucial for effective reading instruction
What are the three components of reading fluency?
Accuracy, automaticity, and prosody.
How does vocabulary breadth relate to reading?
Vocabulary breadth is the number of words a person can recognize, which aids in decoding and understanding text.
Why might a focus on inference questions be inefficient for teaching reading?
It often leads to teaching that does not equate to much more than test practice, wasting instructional time.
How do fluent readers understand grapheme-phoneme connections?
They grasp these connections either through explicit teaching or by deducing them from exposure to print.
Why is reading at a rate below 90 words correct per minute problematic?
It makes it nearly impossible to process meaning effectively.
Why is vocabulary depth important?
It refers to the extent of knowledge about words, allowing for better comprehension and nuanced understanding of language.
How does the author compare inefficient reading instruction to plant growth?
Just as pulling a plant upwards does not contribute to its growth, focusing solely on inference skills does not develop comprehensive reading abilities.
What are the two theoretical alternatives to learning phonics mentioned in the text?
The text suggests that there are no viable alternatives to linking letters to sounds for becoming a fluent reader.
How does prosody enhance reading fluency?
Prosody allows reading to mirror natural spoken language through intonation, stress, and rhythm.
How does the example of the word 'steal' illustrate vocabulary depth?
The understanding of 'steal' expands from a simple definition to various contexts and phrases, showcasing a rich network of meaning
Why is differentiation important in reading instruction?
Children learn to read at different rates and have varying abilities, necessitating tailored teaching approaches.
How does the author describe the luck of some learners in acquiring phonics skills?
Some learners may acquire phonics skills through mere exposure to print, similar to how some people learn to swim without formal instruction.
What is the significance of having a reading rate above 110 words correct per minute?
It is likely needed for reading with prosody, which contributes to better comprehension.
What role does phoneme manipulation play in decoding words like 'throw'?
It helps children make informed decisions about pronunciation based on their understanding of sound-spelling correspondences.
What misunderstanding does the author highlight about reading comprehension?
Many educators assume that the method of teaching reading should match the assessment format, which can lead to ineffective teaching practices.