What skill is primarily supported when a teacher points to words as they read aloud?

When a teacher points to words as they read aloud, the skill that is primarily supported is print awareness. This practice helps students recognize that printed words convey meaning and demonstrates the connection between spoken language and written text. By seeing the actual words being read, children become more familiar with the layout of text, such as where words begin and end, how to read from left to right, and the concept that texts are organized in specific ways (like sentences and paragraphs).

This visual cueing is a fundamental part of developing literacy skills early on, as it lays the groundwork for understanding how print functions in their environment. It assists in building a foundation that will help students later on when they begin to read independently.