What is the main goal of utilizing high quality literature alongside phonics instruction?

Utilizing high-quality literature alongside phonics instruction primarily aims to develop comprehension skills in reading. Phonics instruction is essential for teaching students the relationship between sounds and letters, enabling them to decode words effectively. However, to become proficient readers, it is also crucial that students engage with texts that enrich their understanding of content, themes, and character development.

High-quality literature offers a wealth of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, which helps students develop their comprehension abilities. By interacting with well-crafted stories, students can make connections, infer meaning, and enhance their critical thinking skills. This combination not only supports the mechanical aspect of reading (decoding) through phonics but also fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of the text, which is vital for becoming a skilled reader.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary goal of integrating high-quality literature with phonics. For instance, minimizing the use of decodable texts (while it may have specific applications) does not directly contribute to improving comprehension. Focusing solely on spelling improvement overlooks the broader literacy skills necessary for reading proficiency, and providing a distraction from phonics is counterproductive to the goal of effective reading instruction.