New Hampshire Foundations of Reading 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The reasoning behind decoding instruction tapering off around the second grade is primarily related to the transition students experience as they move from learning to read to reading to learn. By this stage, students have typically developed their decoding skills well enough to tackle more complex texts. The focus shifts as students begin to access a wider range of literature and subjects, requiring them to apply their decoding skills more independently.

As students encounter more complex texts at this stage, they engage with content that encourages them to use the comprehension strategies they've been developing. They are expected to utilize their decoding skills automatically, allowing them to concentrate on understanding and analyzing the material rather than on the mechanics of reading itself. This evolution in focus is critical for developing higher-order thinking skills that are necessary for academic success in the years ahead.