TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which of the following best represents the earliest skill related to the alphabetic principle?

1. A student names the first letter of their name

2. A student writes the first letter of their name

3. A student produces the correct sound for the first letter of their name

4. A student identifies the letter associated with the sound of the first letter of their name

The correct answer is: A student names the first letter of their name

The earliest skill related to the alphabetic principle is represented by the action of a student naming the first letter of their name. The alphabetic principle involves understanding that letters in the alphabet correspond to the sounds they represent. At this foundational level, a student demonstrates recognition of letters by being able to name them, which shows an initial awareness of the alphabet. Identifying the name of a letter is a crucial first step in learning about letters and their sounds, as it indicates that the student understands that letters have distinct identities. This skill sets the foundation for future literacy development, such as recognizing the relationship between letters and sounds. In contrast, writing the letter, producing the correct sound, or identifying a letter based on its sound involve a more advanced understanding of the alphabetic principle, which builds upon the initial recognition that occurs when a student can name a letter. This progression emphasizes the developmental nature of literacy skills, where naming comes before writing and sound production.