What strategy can help students decode multi-syllabic words?

Breaking words into syllables is a highly effective strategy for helping students decode multi-syllabic words. This approach allows learners to tackle longer and more complex words by segmenting them into manageable parts. By recognizing syllables, students can apply their knowledge of phonics and sound patterns to each segment, facilitating better pronunciation and understanding of the word as a whole. This method supports the development of phonemic awareness, which is critical for proficient reading.

In contrast, the other strategies do not specifically address the challenges posed by multi-syllabic words. Reading silently may enhance comprehension but does not provide a direct mechanism for decoding. Utilizing only visuals can support understanding in context but does not equip students with the skills needed to read words independently. Memorizing word lists can promote recognition but does not foster the decoding skills that are necessary for tackling new and unfamiliar multi-syllabic words. Thus, breaking words into syllables stands out as the most effective strategy in this context.