What is the primary characteristic of a word caller?

The primary characteristic of a word caller is a student who can decode words but doesn't assign meaning. This refers to individuals who may be able to read text aloud correctly, pronouncing the words accurately, yet lack comprehension of what those words signify within the context of the passage. These students can sound out words and read fluently; however, they do not grasp the content, context, or deeper meaning behind the words they are articulating.

In the context of literacy development, it's crucial to understand that decoding is just one aspect of reading. Effective reading includes both decoding and comprehension. Thus, identifying a word caller helps educators focus their strategies on enhancing comprehension skills for students who may excel at reading aloud but struggle to understand the material they are reading.