TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

What developmental area is assessed when a child identifies the front of a book and the direction of print?

1. Emergent literacy

2. Structural analysis skills

3. Print connections

4. Concepts about print

The correct answer is: Concepts about print

When a child identifies the front of a book and understands the direction of print, it reflects their grasp of foundational concepts about print. This includes understanding where to begin reading, recognizing that text conveys meaning, and knowing that print carries a specific directionality (left to right in English). These skills are critical in helping children navigate books and written materials effectively. Concepts about print encompass the knowledge and awareness of how books function, including the distinction between pictures and text, the aspects of a book (e.g., title, author), and the fundamentals of reading mechanics. By mastering these concepts, children build a solid foundation for future reading and comprehension skills. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of literacy development. Emergent literacy encompasses a wider range of early reading activities and practices, structural analysis skills relate to understanding word parts and structures, and print connections usually pertain to the relationships between spoken language and written text. Thus, "concepts about print" is the most accurate descriptor for the skills being assessed in this scenario.