New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is a common method to teach blending in reading?

1. Only write the letters

2. Say each letter in a word and state the whole word

3. Ignore vowel combinations

4. Focus on silent reading practices

The correct answer is: Say each letter in a word and state the whole word

The method of saying each letter in a word and then stating the whole word is effective for teaching blending in reading because it helps students develop the connection between individual sounds (phonemes) and the complete words they form. This strategy allows learners to hear how sounds combine into a cohesive unit, fostering an understanding of phonemic awareness essential for reading fluency. By articulating each letter and then pronouncing the whole word, students practice the skill of smoothly transitioning between sounds. This reinforces their ability to decode words as they learn to recognize patterns in how letters combine and influence one another. In contrast, merely writing letters does not engage students in the auditory aspect of reading; ignoring vowel combinations can hinder understanding of critical spelling patterns and phonics rules; focusing solely on silent reading practices may overlook foundational skills, such as the ability to blend sounds audibly, which is crucial for beginner readers.