New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is a recommended method for building automatic recognition of high-frequency sight words?

1. Introduce many words at once

2. Use word hunts and explicit phonics instruction

3. Focus on contextual usage of words only

4. Limit exposure to sight words to test knowledge

The correct answer is: Use word hunts and explicit phonics instruction

Building automatic recognition of high-frequency sight words is effectively supported by using word hunts and explicit phonics instruction. This method encourages students to engage actively in identifying and recognizing sight words in various contexts, promoting retention and fluency. Word hunts involve searching for specific sight words in texts, which helps learners to encounter these words repeatedly in different scenarios, reinforcing their understanding and recall. Moreover, explicit phonics instruction aids students in decoding and understanding the structure of words, which complements the memorization of sight words. By teaching the phonetic components alongside the visual recognition, students can build a stronger foundation for literacy. Introducing many words at once can overwhelm learners and hinder their ability to remember and effectively recognize these words. Similarly, focusing solely on contextual usage may not provide sufficient repetition for mastery, and limiting exposure to sight words in assessments diminishes opportunities for practice and familiarity. Thus, the combination of active engagement and systematic instruction found in word hunts and phonics provides a well-rounded strategy for achieving automatic recognition of sight words.