Practice types emphasize building skills from sounds to reading text with focus on which words?

• A. Words that follow phonics rules already taught
• B. Simple memorized words only
• C. Random vocabulary not taught
• D. Irregular words only

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that early reading practice should reinforce decoding by applying letter-sound relationships and phonics patterns students have already learned. When practice focuses on words that follow those taught rules, students can blend sounds and map letter patterns to pronounce unfamiliar words in real text. This builds accuracy, fluency, and independence because the skill transfers beyond the exact words practiced to new words they encounter in reading.

Memorized words, random vocabulary, or irregular words don’t support this transfer as effectively. Relying on memory or chasing exceptions doesn’t strengthen the underlying decoding system or the ability to tackle new text using phonics strategies.