What is explicit instruction in early literacy?

• A. To provide clear explanations and demonstrations to help students learn
• B. To assign open-ended tasks without guidance
• C. To test students frequently with no instruction
• D. To rely on discovery learning only

Answer: (A)

Explicit instruction in early literacy means the teacher clearly explains and demonstrates how to perform a literacy skill, then guides students through practice with deliberate feedback until they can do it independently. It includes explicit modeling of skills like blending and segmenting sounds, letter-sound relationships, decoding strategies, and understanding print concepts. The delivery follows a deliberate sequence: the teacher models with a clear think-aloud, students practice with scaffolds and guided support, and then students practice on their own. Supports are gradually removed as the student gains competence. This approach is teacher-directed and systematic, designed to build skill step by step while giving students specific cues and feedback. It stands in contrast to tasks that offer little guidance, rely on discovery alone, or focus mainly on testing without instruction.