In teaching reading, why is it necessary to incorporate vocabulary instruction?

Incorporating vocabulary instruction is essential in teaching reading primarily because it significantly enhances comprehension skills. Vocabulary knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding what is being read. The more words students know, the better they can decode and interpret the text’s meaning, enabling them to grasp concepts, follow narratives, and engage in critical thinking. When students have a strong vocabulary foundation, they are more equipped to make connections between the text and their prior knowledge, leading to improved reading comprehension.

While focusing on phonics is an important aspect of reading instruction, it does not address the importance of understanding words in context. Similarly, longer reading times or complex grammatical structures may have their place in a reading curriculum, but they do not directly contribute to enhancing a student's ability to understand and interpret texts effectively. Thus, vocabulary instruction is vital for fostering a deeper understanding and improving overall literacy.