What do children focus on during the word extension stage?

During the word extension stage, children emphasize understanding and utilizing various components of words, specifically focusing on syllables, prefixes, and suffixes. This stage is crucial for developing their vocabulary and comprehension skills. By grasping how different syllables combine to form words and recognizing the meaning that prefixes and suffixes can bring to root words, students enhance their ability to decode and infer the meanings of new words. This foundational knowledge assists them in their reading and writing, allowing for more complex language use as they progress in their literacy development. Understanding these elements also fosters greater flexibility in their language, enabling them to experiment with word formation and meaning, which is a key aspect of advancing their literacy skills.