TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which skill should Mrs. Smythe emphasize first when teaching phonological awareness?

1. Recognizing and counting syllables in a word

2. Recognizing the initial sound of a spoken word

3. Making up a story while looking at pictures

4. Learning that the English language is read from left to right

The correct answer is: Recognizing and counting syllables in a word

The most effective first skill for Mrs. Smythe to emphasize in teaching phonological awareness is recognizing and counting syllables in a word. Understanding syllables provides a foundational element of language structure that is critical for developing further reading and writing skills. When students can identify and manipulate syllables, they enhance their ability to decode unfamiliar words and improve their spelling. Syllable recognition also supports the understanding of word boundaries, which is essential for fluent reading. This skill lays the groundwork for more complex phonological tasks, such as segmenting and blending sounds, because it encourages children to listen closely to the rhythm and beat of language. The other options, while important components of literacy development, typically build upon the foundational understanding of syllables rather than serve as the initial focus. Recognizing initial sounds, for instance, delves into phonemic awareness, which is more advanced than the global concept of syllable awareness. Additionally, making up a story with pictures and learning directional reading are crucial but focused on narrative skills and print awareness, which may be introduced later in a more comprehensive literacy program.