What strategy would best help students transition from reading word-by-word to reading in phrases during poetry activities?

The most effective strategy for helping students transition from reading word-by-word to reading in phrases during poetry activities is to add phrase-cues to the poetry booklets and model how to read aloud in phrases. This approach directly supports learners by visually breaking down the text into manageable phrases, thus guiding them in recognizing natural groupings of words that convey meaning together.

By incorporating phrase-cues, students can develop a better understanding of rhythm and flow in poetry. Modeling the reading aloud in phrases demonstrates how to express emotion and meaning, enhancing their comprehension and engagement. This not only reinforces their ability to read more fluidly as they recognize patterns in phrasing but also encourages them to connect meaning with the structure of the text.

While other strategies may have some benefits, they do not focus as directly on the crucial aspect of teaching students how to read in phrases. For instance, silent reading practice can be beneficial for individual comprehension but does not provide the immediate support for fluency and phrasing that modeling offers. Similarly, selecting simpler texts may not adequately challenge students or address the specific need for phrase-based reading skills. Reading in groups can foster collaboration and discussion, but without explicit instruction on phrasing, students may still fall back on word-by-word reading habits. Therefore,