What was Dr. Grace Fernald's view on teaching methods for dyslexic students?

Dr. Grace Fernald is known for her innovative approach to teaching students with dyslexia, which included a focus on whole word learning rather than a strict reliance on phonics. Her view was that many dyslexic learners benefited from techniques that helped them to recognize whole words visually and contextually, rather than breaking down every word into its individual phonetic components. This strategy aimed to build comprehension and fluency through recognition of words in context, thereby allowing students to engage with texts more effectively.

The emphasis on whole word learning was grounded in the understanding that dyslexic students might struggle significantly with traditional phonics approaches, which can be frustrating and ineffective for them. Fernald's method combined visual, auditory, and tactile elements, enabling these learners to develop their reading skills in a more holistic and supportive manner.

While other options present various teaching methods, option C accurately captures Fernald’s primary philosophy, illustrating her belief in adapting instruction to meet the unique needs of dyslexic students by emphasizing whole words over phonetic decoding.