Which skill is often found to be deficient in young readers contributing to their overall reading challenges?

Weak word reading skills are often a significant factor contributing to reading challenges in young readers. This skill encompasses the ability to accurately decode and recognize words, which is fundamental for developing reading fluency and comprehension. When students struggle with word reading, they may have difficulty sounding out words, recognizing common sight words, or connecting phonemes to their corresponding graphemes.

These challenges can lead to frustration and reduced confidence in their reading abilities, making it harder for them to engage with texts and fully understand what they read. Since word reading is foundational for all other reading skills, deficiencies in this area can significantly impact a child's overall literacy development, making it a critical focus for educators and literacy intervention programs.