In the context of reading, what do "meaning cues" refer to?

"Meaning cues" in reading are closely associated with the background knowledge and experiences that a child brings to the text. Option B highlights how children's own life experiences serve as a significant source of understanding when they encounter new material. This means that as children relate what they read to their personal experiences, they can construct meaning, make predictions, and enhance their comprehension.

For example, if a child has experienced a particular event or emotion depicted in a story, they are likely to connect with the narrative on a deeper level, thereby facilitating better understanding and retention of information. This personal history acts as a bridge to interpret and infer meaning beyond the printed words.

The other choices do relate to the reading process in different capacities, such as illustrations providing visual context, phonetic similarities aiding with pronunciation, and the plot delivering narrative structure, but they do not encapsulate the concept of meaning cues as it pertains to the reader's own life experiences contributing to their understanding of a text. Thus, recognizing children's life experiences as meaning cues is essential for fostering a deeper engagement with reading.