Beginning readers typically have the most difficulty decoding which word type?

Beginning readers often struggle the most with CVCe words like "ride" due to the presence of the silent "e" at the end of the word. This silent "e" alters the pronunciation of the vowel in the preceding segment, which can be a complex concept for early learners who are just becoming familiar with phonetic decoding.

In CVC words, such as "cat" and "bat," each consonant and vowel has a clear sound and is often easier for beginners to sound out. High-frequency sight words are those that do not always follow standard phonetic rules and are often memorized rather than decoded. However, many of these words become familiar to young readers over time, making them less challenging despite their irregularities. Compound words like "playground" can also be broken down into smaller, recognizable units, which can aid in comprehension.

CVCe words require learners to understand not only the individual sounds but also the function of the silent "e," making them particularly challenging for new readers who are still mastering basic phonetic rules.