A second-grade teacher wants to ensure that students become automatic in recognizing the orthographic patterns they are explicitly taught during decoding instruction. According to evidence-based best practices, which of the following instructional strategies best prompts students' automatic recognition of a new orthographic pattern to support proficient reading?

A) Flashcard drills with new words containing the pattern
B) Providing explicit explanations of the orthographic pattern
C) Engaging students in repeated readings of texts containing the pattern
D) Encouraging students to construct sentences using words with the pattern

The most effective strategy for students to automatically recognize new orthographic patterns is through repeated readings of texts containing the pattern, as it provides context and supports both decoding and sight recognition skills.

Explanation:

The best instructional strategy for prompting students' automatic recognition of a new orthographic pattern to support proficient reading is engaging students in repeated readings of texts containing the pattern. This method aligns with evidence-based practices that emphasize the importance of systematic and explicit instruction, ensuring that students have multiple encounters with the target pattern, which aids in the retention and automaticity of word recognition. Activities like flashcard drills can also be useful, but incorporating the pattern into actual reading practices allows for context and meaning to support the learning process, additionally enhancing decoding and sight recognition skills.