Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is the role of natural exposure to phonics in early reading development?

1. It encourages memorization of sight words.

2. It focuses on systematic phonics instruction.

3. It happens during natural reading experiences when children encounter words they cannot decode.

4. It requires repetitive drills and practice.

The correct answer is: It encourages memorization of sight words.

Natural exposure to phonics plays a crucial role in early reading development, particularly by occurring during natural reading experiences when children encounter words they cannot decode. This exposure helps children to develop their phonetic awareness and decoding skills in a meaningful context, allowing them to make connections between sounds and written words. When children come across unfamiliar words, they begin to experiment with different strategies for decoding them, which enhances their understanding of phonics. Through these experiences, children not only learn to recognize words but also start to understand the patterns and rules of phonics naturally. This type of exposure is less about the memorization of sight words or repetitive drills, and more about engaging with text in a real-world setting, where they can apply their phonics knowledge and gain confidence in their reading abilities.