What is the primary purpose of reading comprehension instruction in elementary education?

The primary purpose of reading comprehension instruction in elementary education is to enable students to understand, interpret, and analyze texts effectively. This skill is crucial as it allows students to go beyond merely decoding words; it involves engaging with the text to grasp its meaning, identify key ideas, and draw inferences. Effective reading comprehension is vital for academic success across all subjects, as it equips students with the ability to navigate various types of texts, whether they are literary, informational, or functional.

When students are trained in reading comprehension, they learn strategies that help them make connections between new information and their existing knowledge, enhancing their critical thinking skills. This understanding forms the foundation for more advanced literacy skills required not only in school but in everyday life as they encounter diverse texts.

While teaching reading comprehension can play a role in fostering a love for reading, the primary focus is on students' ability to process and understand the content they read, making option C the most pertinent choice regarding the objectives of reading instruction in elementary education.