Which strategy can enhance a 1st grader's ability to read with proper expression?

Modeling inflection and expression during reading is a highly effective strategy to enhance a 1st grader's ability to read with proper expression. When an adult or more experienced reader demonstrates how to read with emotion, emphasis, and appropriate pacing, it provides a live example for the child to emulate. This modeling helps young readers understand how tone and cadence contribute to the meaning of the text, making reading more engaging and enjoyable.

Children learn through observation, so seeing the expression that accompanies different characters, emotions, or scenarios supports their development of expressive reading skills. Additionally, this practice encourages them to connect with the content on a deeper level, fostering both comprehension and joy in reading.

In contrast, reading silently does not offer the same opportunities for auditory learning and emotional connection, while focusing solely on phonics may neglect the important aspect of prosody. Encouraging fast reading without pauses can lead to a lack of understanding and emotional engagement with the text. Thus, modeling expression is the most impactful approach for developing a child's reading fluency and expressiveness.