Ace the Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test 2025 – Unlock the Power of Literacy Fun!

A main component of balanced literacy instruction is the alphabetic principle, which refers to the understanding that letters and letter combinations represent the sounds of spoken language. This principle is fundamental in teaching reading, as it helps students make connections between written and spoken words, allowing them to decode new words while reading and spell them correctly when writing.

In balanced literacy, the alphabetic principle supports other critical components such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies. By focusing on how sounds correlate with letters, students are equipped with the necessary tools for effective reading and writing. This approach integrates various instructional strategies, including guided reading, shared reading, and independent reading, ensuring that students receive a holistic reading experience.

Other choices, while related to literacy, do not encompass the core philosophy of balanced literacy instruction in the same comprehensive way. Memorization techniques and drill and practice focus on repetitive learning which may not enhance deep understanding, and phonological awareness—while important—serves more as a precursor to reading skills than as a main component of a balanced literacy framework.