North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following practices is critical for developing phonics skills among early readers?

1. Memorizing sight words

2. Understanding letter-sound relationships

3. Listening to stories

4. Reading aloud without guidance

The correct answer is: Understanding letter-sound relationships

Understanding letter-sound relationships is foundational for developing phonics skills among early readers. Phonics instruction aims to help children learn how to connect sounds with their corresponding letters or groups of letters. This knowledge enables them to decode words, which is essential for reading proficiency. When children understand that letters represent sounds and that these sounds blend together to form words, they can begin to read independently and with confidence. Memorizing sight words, while helpful in increasing reading fluency, does not teach children the skills needed to decode unfamiliar words. Listening to stories enhances vocabulary and comprehension but does not directly address phonics. Similarly, reading aloud without guidance may not provide the crucial phonics instruction that early readers need to develop their skills systematically. Therefore, the focus on understanding letter-sound relationships offers the solid foundation necessary for effective reading development.