During independent reading, what should the teacher primarily focus on for students who struggle with phonological awareness?

Focusing on providing one-on-one reading support for students who struggle with phonological awareness is essential because it allows for targeted instruction that addresses their specific needs. Phonological awareness is a foundational skill for reading that involves recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken words, and struggling students often require personalized strategies to build this skill effectively.

In a one-on-one setting, the teacher can assess the student's current understanding and challenges, offering tailored activities designed to improve their phonological skills. This could include exercises in rhyming, syllabication, and sound blending, which are best taught when the teacher can provide immediate feedback and encouragement. Such individualized attention can significantly boost a student's confidence and ability in reading.

Other options, while beneficial in different contexts, do not directly address the specific needs of students struggling with phonological awareness as effectively. Independent reading lists or group discussions may not provide the focused intervention necessary for skill development in phonological awareness. Repeating known stories can aid in comprehension and fluency but does not specifically target the underlying phonological difficulties that need to be addressed for these students to progress in reading.