Phonemic awareness is a strong predictor of future reading success and is, therefore, a key part of literacy instruction. Based on current research, which of the following best describes a successful approach to phonemic awareness instruction for elementary-aged students?
A) PreK teachers should expose their young students to phonemic skills, and explicit instruction should be added to exposure activities beginning in kindergarten.
B) Students at all levels of elementary should be receiving explicit instruction on phonemic awareness skills.
C) Many students will generally develop phonemic awareness naturally and explicit instruction should not begin until second grade for those who have not developed it on their own.
D) Teachers should explicitly teach phonemic awareness to young students, and teachers of older students should continue to directly teach phonemic awareness as needed for students still struggling with the skill.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Research shows that explicit phonological awareness instruction can help all students learn to read, including both young students and older students needing extra reading support.
English Language Learners may:
A) require direct, explicit instruction in phonological and phonemic awareness.
B) require reading skills to be taught in isolation.
C) be best served by only practicing reading in their native language.
D) have advanced English spelling skills.