What is likely to be a challenge for a student with strong phonics and vocabulary skills but limited experience with narrative texts?

A student with strong phonics and vocabulary skills but limited experience with narrative texts may struggle with text complexity. This challenge arises because narrative texts often involve intricate structures, themes, character development, and plot elements that go beyond the mere understanding of individual words or sounds. While the student may easily decode words and comprehend vocabulary, the subtleties of narrative storytelling—such as recognizing underlying themes, making inferences about characters’ motivations, or following complicated plots—can pose difficulties.

Successful navigation of narrative texts requires not only the ability to read and pronounce words but also to engage critically and emotionally with the text, understanding how various story elements work together to convey meaning. This may be particularly daunting for someone who hasn't had extensive exposure to the format and conventions commonly used in narratives.