North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

When is it appropriate for a teacher to introduce picture books to emergent readers?

1. After they have shown proficiency in writing.

2. From the first day of school.

3. Only when they are ready for chapter books.

4. When they can recognize all letters.

The correct answer is: From the first day of school.

Introducing picture books to emergent readers from the first day of school is beneficial because these books serve as an engaging resource that supports early literacy development. Picture books often incorporate rich illustrations that help children make connections between text and visual representations, fostering comprehension skills. They also present opportunities for teachers to model reading behaviors, vocabulary usage, and narrative structures. Integrating picture books early on creates a foundation for discussion, encourages a love for stories, and motivates students to interact with texts in a meaningful way. By regularly exposing emerging readers to picture books, teachers can cultivate important skills such as predicting, inferring, and summarizing, all of which are essential for later reading success. This early interaction is critical, as it allows children to begin their literacy journey with materials that are accessible and enjoyable.