In the context of reading, what does word analysis help students do?

Word analysis plays a crucial role in helping students develop their decoding skills, which is the ability to interpret and pronounce unfamiliar words. This skill is fundamental for reading fluency and comprehension. When students engage in word analysis, they learn to break down words into their constituent parts, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words. By understanding these components, they can use phonetic clues and contextual information to tackle new vocabulary, thus making reading more accessible and enjoyable.

Engaging with word analysis also aids in vocabulary development, as it helps students recognize patterns in language and apply that knowledge to other unfamiliar words. This process empowers learners to become more independent readers, as they are equipped with the tools to decode and understand challenging texts on their own.