Final answer:
Assigning character parts to students prior to group reading best supports the improvement of reading fluency, as it promotes active engagement and enhances understanding through performance-based learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the fluency difficulties faced by students in a guided reading group, the most supportive instructional step is B. Assigning each student a character part prior to reading the text as a group. This approach aligns with the best practices for reading drama, where acting out the play is crucial for understanding.
Through assigned character parts, students become actively engaged, enabling better comprehension and fluency. It is widely recognized that drama is a collaborative genre, and by having students read aloud and perform their parts, they are more likely to grasp the meanings of the text, and the experience becomes enjoyable.
Allowing students to work collaboratively and engaging in readers' theater helps to improve fluency as they practice reading aloud in character. This type of group activity not only enhances their understanding of the text but also builds confidence and reading skills.
Moreover, the social aspect of readers' theater promotes peer learning, where students can learn from each other's interpretations and performances. Hence, incorporating character parts within a group setting before reading the text is vitally important for improving reading fluency and comprehensive skills.