What approach is most effective for helping students decode multisyllable words that are not multimorphemic?

The most effective approach for helping students decode multisyllable words that are not multimorphemic is to divide words into syllables based on common syllable types. This method allows students to break down longer words into manageable parts, making it easier for them to pronounce and understand the words.

By focusing on syllable types, such as open and closed syllables, students can apply systematic strategies to decode unfamiliar words. For instance, knowing that an open syllable ends in a vowel that usually has a long sound can guide students in reading words more accurately. This systematic approach also reinforces their phonemic awareness and understanding of how letters and sounds interact within different syllable structures.

Other strategies, such as teaching sight words, primarily focus on memorization and do not aid in decoding strategy for multisyllable words. Dividing words by vowel sounds only is limited because it may not provide a clear structure for students to follow. Encouraging guesswork in pronunciation could lead to confusion and reinforce incorrect reading habits, making it difficult for students to develop reliable decoding skills. Thus, using syllable types is essential for fostering proficient reading skills in multisyllable words.