FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which concept is essential for students to master before they can effectively learn to read?

1. Critical thinking skills

2. Print concepts

3. Vocabulary development

4. Comprehension strategies

The correct answer is: Print concepts

The mastery of print concepts is foundational for students before they can effectively learn to read. Print concepts include understanding how print works, such as the direction of text (left to right, top to bottom), the distinction between letters and words, and the function of punctuation. This foundational knowledge helps students to decode words and understand the structure of written language. Without a solid grasp of print concepts, students may struggle with recognizing letters, understanding that words are composed of letters, or following the layout of a book. These skills are crucial for building the ability to read independently, as they form the basis upon which more complex reading skills can be developed, such as vocabulary development and comprehension strategies. Thus, print concepts create the necessary groundwork for all subsequent reading instruction and are essential for young learners as they embark on their literacy journey.