What is a likely reason why a second-grade student struggles with decoding words like "also" and "over"?

Focusing on the reason that a second-grade student struggles with decoding words like "also" and "over" due to the need for practice on sight words is quite apt. Sight words are commonly used words that children are encouraged to recognize without needing to sound them out. The words "also" and "over" are often included in sight word lists because they appear frequently in texts but do not always follow standard phonetic rules, making them challenging for early readers.

When a student has not sufficiently practiced sight words, they may rely heavily on decoding strategies, which can lead to difficulty with these specific words. Since these words are often encountered in reading materials, lack of familiarity can hinder fluency and overall reading comprehension. Recognizing these sight words allows students to read more smoothly and confidently, leading to a more enjoyable reading experience.

Other reasons, such as insufficient exposure to phonics or struggles with oral language, may contribute to decoding difficulties but do not directly explain the challenges involved with specific sight words. Lacking interest in reading could impact motivation but is not the root cause of decoding issues for these particular words.