New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is a primary focus when children are in the emergent stage of writing?

1. Healthy authorial voice development

2. Correct spelling of high-frequency words

3. Full understanding of different genres

4. Using punctuation consistently

The correct answer is: Correct spelling of high-frequency words

In the emergent stage of writing, the primary focus is on the development of foundational writing skills that lay the groundwork for future writing abilities. At this stage, children are beginning to understand the purpose of writing and the connection between spoken and written words. Correct spelling of high-frequency words is crucial because these words are often the building blocks of early writing. By mastering these words, children gain confidence and fluency in their writing, allowing them to focus on expressing their ideas more effectively rather than getting bogged down by the mechanics of spelling less familiar words. While developing a healthy authorial voice, understanding different genres, and using punctuation consistently are all important aspects of writing, they typically become more prominent as children progress beyond the emergent stage. Early writers are encouraged to experiment and explore their ideas without the pressure of genre constraints or perfect punctuation. At this foundation level, the emphasis is squarely on recognizing and spelling common words correctly to facilitate better communication in their writing.