Final answer:
Traditional basal readers used in early childhood reading instruction follow a rigid sequence of skills, blending phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. While structured, they do not actively discourage comprehension strategies but emphasize a sequenced skill approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering early childhood reading instruction using basal readers, it's important to understand the characteristics of this approach. Traditional basal readers often follow a rigid sequence of skills, ensuring that students learn reading skills in a structured manner. This sequenced approach can include a mix of phonics for decoding words, as well as vocabulary and comprehension strategies. While basal readers may not be individualized for each student's pace or emphasize only decoding skills, they do not necessarily discourage comprehension strategies. In fact, comprehension is a crucial part of learning to read, and basal readers typically include questions and activities to support understanding of the text. However, in balancing the need for structure and flexibility, educators should ensure that students are also encouraged to develop flexible strategies for reading and rereading, and to approach texts with an openness to multiple interpretations.