Which component of reading instruction focuses on understanding the structure and meaning of texts?

The focus on understanding the structure and meaning of texts is primarily associated with comprehension. Comprehension entails the ability to not only decode words on a page but also to grasp the underlying ideas, themes, and intentions of the text. It involves making connections, drawing inferences, and critically engaging with the content to ensure that the reader is not merely reading but understanding the message and context of what is being read.

In reading instruction, comprehension strategies can include summarizing what has been read, asking and answering questions about the text, making predictions, and visualizing scenarios described within the text. This skill is essential for reading success, as it enables students to interact with various kinds of texts—be they literary or informational—and derive meaning from them, which is pivotal for academic achievement and lifelong learning.

While other components like phonemic awareness, fluency, and vocabulary are important in a comprehensive literacy program, they serve different roles. Phonemic awareness addresses the sounds in words, fluency focuses on the ability to read with speed and expression, and vocabulary enhances the understanding of word meanings. Comprehension synthesizes these elements to enable a more profound understanding of the text as a whole.