How can students apply their spelling knowledge to reading?

Recognizing familiar words is a critical application of spelling knowledge in reading. When students understand how words are spelled, they can identify and decode those words more efficiently while reading. This recognition helps them to build fluency and comprehension because they can focus on understanding the text instead of getting stuck on individual words.

For instance, if a student has practiced spelling the word "cat," they are more likely to recognize it quickly when they encounter it in a text. This relatedness between spelling and reading enhances their ability to comprehend and engage with the material since they can draw upon their existing knowledge of letter patterns and phonics.

The choice involving ignoring spelling rules would not contribute positively to reading, as understanding these rules helps in making sense of new and unfamiliar words. Similarly, phonetic guessing may lead to incorrect pronunciations and meanings, thus hindering comprehension. Avoiding difficult words can limit a student's reading experience and growth, as encountering and figuring out challenging words is a vital part of developing literacy skills. Therefore, recognizing familiar words is the best approach for effectively applying spelling knowledge to reading.