Which strategy supports building understanding step-by-step in reading instruction?

The strategy that supports building understanding step-by-step in reading instruction is the transition from homogeneous to heterogeneous groupings. This approach allows for small, similar groups to first master certain concepts or skills before transitioning to a more diverse group setting where they can apply their understanding in a broader context.

When students engage in homogeneous grouping, they receive instruction that is tailored to their specific skill levels, enabling them to strengthen foundational knowledge and gain confidence. Once they have developed a solid understanding within this environment, blending them into heterogeneous groups helps them learn from peers with varied perspectives and abilities. This gradual progression supports mastery of reading skills and fosters collaboration, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The other strategies listed, while beneficial, do not specifically emphasize a sequential, step-by-step development of understanding in quite the same way. Discovery learning focuses more on students exploring concepts at their own pace, which can lead to gaps in foundational understanding if not guided properly. Top-down instruction begins with the larger concepts, which may not provide the incremental building blocks necessary for some learners. Models of guided practice involve demonstrating a skill before allowing students to try it, but they do not inherently follow a structured step-by-step buildup like the homogeneous to heterogeneous transition does.