How can paraprofessionals assist with literacy instruction?

Paraprofessionals play a vital role in enhancing literacy instruction, and their support with phonics and reading comprehension strategies is particularly significant. Providing phonics support involves helping students understand the relationships between letters and sounds, which is foundational for reading. This can include working with students on decoding words and building their phonemic awareness, which directly contributes to their ability to read fluently.

In addition, assisting with reading comprehension strategies allows paraprofessionals to help students develop skills to understand and interpret texts. This might involve asking guiding questions, helping students summarize what they’ve read, or teaching them to make inferences. Such support not only reinforces the skills being taught by the classroom teacher but also allows for differentiated instruction, catering to individual student needs.

The other options do not align with the primary objective of literacy instruction. Focusing solely on math skills neglects the essential role literacy plays across all subjects. Avoiding interaction during reading activities would prevent students from receiving the verbal and social support they need to discuss texts and enhance their understanding. Implementing group work exclusively might overlook the individualized attention some students require, which is where the paraprofessional’s support can be critically beneficial.