Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

What is an age-appropriate activity for reinforcing phonics skills in early readers?

1. Using invented spelling in creative writing

2. Participating in peer-led reading groups

3. Matching words with pictures

4. Listening to stories read aloud

The correct answer is: Using invented spelling in creative writing

The correct response highlights matching words with pictures as a highly effective strategy for reinforcing phonics skills in early readers. This activity directly connects the visual representation of a word with its corresponding sound, facilitating the development of word recognition and phonetic understanding. When children match words to pictures, they not only practice decoding the words but also enhance their comprehension by linking meaning to the sounds they are learning. This visual and auditory engagement is crucial in the early stages of literacy development. Other options, while beneficial in various contexts, may not directly focus on phonics reinforcement. For example, using invented spelling in creative writing encourages creativity and self-expression but does not specifically address phonics skills, as the focus is on the child's ability to express ideas rather than accurately encode sounds. Participating in peer-led reading groups fosters collaboration and social skills, yet it may not provide the individualized phonics practice that young readers need. Listening to stories read aloud enriches vocabulary and comprehension but does not actively engage the child in decoding words or practicing phonetic skills. Thus, the matching activity stands out as the most targeted approach for developing phonics understanding among early readers.