New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

At what stage of spelling development do students begin using syllable patterns?

1. Pre-Phonetic Stage

2. Semi-Phonetic Stage

3. Phonetic Stage

4. Transitional Stage

The correct answer is: Transitional Stage

In the transitional stage of spelling development, students start to understand and apply syllable patterns in their writing. This stage typically occurs after students have a solid grasp of phonetic spelling, where they understand basic letter-sound relationships. In the transitional stage, students are able to identify common syllable patterns and spelling rules, enabling them to spell more complex words correctly and apply their knowledge of syllables to their writing. This understanding helps them move away from reliance solely on sounding out words phonetically, integrating a deeper knowledge of the structure of words and their components. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for more advanced spelling strategies and enhances overall literacy skills.