TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

In a kindergarten classroom, what phonemic skill is most appropriate to work on after blending word parts?

1. Naming beginning sounds in words

2. Blending the initial consonants

3. Blending individual phonemes in words

4. Blending the final consonant sounds

The correct answer is: Blending individual phonemes in words

Blending individual phonemes in words is the most appropriate skill to work on after students have practiced blending word parts. This skill builds on their understanding of phonemic awareness by encouraging them to manipulate the smallest units of sound within words. After mastering the blending of larger segments, such as syllables or word parts, children are ready to focus on the more granular task of blending individual phonemes. This step is crucial as it helps them understand how sounds combine to form words, which is a foundational element in developing reading skills. By practicing with individual phonemes, students reinforce their ability to hear and differentiate sounds, which ultimately supports effective reading and spelling development. Focusing on other options, such as naming beginning sounds or blending initial or final consonant sounds, does not directly progress students' skills from blending word parts to blending phonemes. These skills are important in their own right, but engaging with individual phonemes offers a more direct connection to the blending skills already acquired, enabling a smoother transition to more complex reading tasks.