New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

When should students begin learning to decode words?

1. After they have mastered basic arithmetic

2. Once they have a grasp of letter-sound relationships

3. Immediately when they start school

4. As soon as they can write sentences

The correct answer is: Once they have a grasp of letter-sound relationships

The optimal time for students to begin learning to decode words is once they have a grasp of letter-sound relationships. This foundational understanding is crucial because decoding involves translating written symbols into their respective sounds (phonemes) and then blending those sounds to form words. Mastery of letter-sound relationships provides students with the ability to recognize letters and associate them with the sounds they represent, which is necessary for effective reading. This understanding acts as a bridge to more complex reading skills, enabling students to unlock new words as they encounter them in text. Without this essential knowledge of sounds linked to letters, students may struggle to decode, making reading a more challenging task. Beginning decoding instruction at this point ensures that students are adequately prepared to tackle phonetic patterns and develop fluency in reading. This timing also aligns with best practices in literacy instruction, focused on building a strong phonemic awareness and phonics foundation before advancing to more complex reading and comprehension skills.