What phrase captures the essence of helping children read familiar stories?

The phrase that captures the essence of helping children read familiar stories is the practice of pointing word-for-word while reading. This method is instrumental in fostering early literacy skills as it aids children in making connections between the spoken words and the written text. By pointing to each word, children can better understand the concept of one-to-one correspondence, which is crucial for developing reading fluency. This approach also reinforces their recognition of familiar phrases and builds their confidence as they engage with the text, allowing them to predict and anticipate what comes next.

In contrast, other methods, such as speed reading, skipping to the end, or solely focusing on illustrations, do not effectively support the goals of emergent literacy. They may overlook the critical components of word recognition, vocabulary development, and comprehension that are necessary for a solid foundation in reading. Therefore, modeling word-for-word reading serves as a powerful tool to enhance children's understanding and enjoyment of stories.