During an assessment, which area should decoding instruction focus on first for a student who struggles?

Focusing on recognizing common vowel terms automatically as the first area of decoding instruction for a struggling reader is essential because vowels form the core of word pronunciation and are critical for decoding the majority of words in the English language. Vowel sounds can significantly impact a student's ability to sound out and read words fluently. Once a student develops a strong recognition of basic vowel patterns and sounds, it becomes easier for them to blend those sounds with consonants, leading to improved overall decoding abilities.

Additionally, strong vowel recognition supports the development of phonemic awareness, as students learn to connect sounds with their corresponding letters. When students can identify and use vowel sounds effectively, they tend to gain confidence in their reading skills, allowing them to tackle more complex words and text structures.

While distinguishing consonant digraphs and blends, attending to inflectional endings, and using context to self-monitor reading are indeed important skills, prioritizing vowel recognition lays a solid foundation that facilitates the learning of these other components in a logical sequence.