New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is an example of Implicit Phonics Instruction?

1. A teacher uses structured lessons with phonics drills

2. A teacher discusses letters and sounds while reading a book

3. A teacher focuses exclusively on phonemic awareness activities

4. A teacher assigns written phonics exercises

The correct answer is: A teacher discusses letters and sounds while reading a book

Implicit phonics instruction involves teaching the relationship between letters and sounds in a more integrated, contextual manner, rather than through direct or explicit drill-based activities. When a teacher discusses letters and sounds while reading a book, they are demonstrating implicit phonics. This approach allows students to understand how phonics relates to reading in real contexts, making connections as they encounter text. This method encourages students to naturally derive phonics rules and patterns from the context of the words and sentences they are reading, enhancing their comprehension and reinforcing their learning of phonics in a practical, engaging way. It fosters a deeper understanding of how phonics operates within the structure of language rather than simply focusing on artificial exercises or drills. This contrasts with structured lessons or drills which are more explicit in their approach, and it also differs from activities that focus solely on phonemic awareness, which do not involve the text itself.