What is a miscue in reading?

A miscue in reading refers to a substitution of a word in the text. This occurs when a reader incorrectly replaces a word with another while reading aloud, impacting their overall comprehension of the material. Analyzing miscues is important in the assessment of reading skills, as it provides insight into a reader's decoding abilities and understanding of language patterns. When a reader substitutes a word, it can indicate areas where they may need additional support, whether in vocabulary development or phonemic awareness.

This understanding of miscues is fundamental for educators, as it helps them identify specific reading challenges that students may face, allowing for more targeted instruction. It's not simply an error but provides a window into a reader's thought processes and can inform how to better support their literacy development.