What is one effective strategy for supporting struggling readers?

Providing scaffolded support, such as one-on-one instruction, is an effective strategy for supporting struggling readers because it allows for individualized attention tailored to each student's specific needs. This approach helps to address the unique challenges that struggling readers face, whether those are related to phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, or fluency.

One-on-one instruction gives teachers the opportunity to assess the reader's abilities in real time, offer targeted interventions, and provide immediate feedback. This personalized attention can build students' confidence and foster a love for reading, as they receive support that is directly relevant to their learning pace and style. Scaffolded support may also include strategies like modeling reading techniques or guiding them through challenging texts, which can enhance their understanding and encourage independence over time.

In contrast, group reading activities without additional aid may not provide the needed support for struggling readers, as they might be overshadowed by their peers or miss out on crucial help. Limiting reading time could inadvertently decrease engagement and motivation, while encouraging a faster reading pace could lead to frustration and hinder comprehension. Therefore, personalized, scaffolded support is essential for nurturing the growth of struggling readers.