Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

Modeling reading aloud promotes which of the following?

1. Visual recognition of letters

2. Emergent literacy skills in students

3. Interest in mathematics

4. Advanced writing skills

The correct answer is: Emergent literacy skills in students

Modeling reading aloud is a fundamental practice in early childhood education that significantly enhances emergent literacy skills in students. When educators read aloud to children, they expose them to the rhythm and structure of language, vocabulary, and sentence patterns, which are crucial for developing reading comprehension and fluency. This exposure helps children understand the narrative structure of stories, makes them aware of the sounds and symbols of language, and fosters their enjoyment of reading. Additionally, this practice encourages phonemic awareness and builds listening skills, which are essential components of emergent literacy. As children listen to stories, they also learn how to make connections between words and their meanings, further supporting their literacy development. While visual recognition of letters, interest in mathematics, and advanced writing skills are important in their own regard, they are not the primary focus of reading aloud modeling. The main goal here is to cultivate a foundation for literacy, which encompasses a wide range of skills that children will build upon as they grow. This foundational work is vital in preparing students for future reading and writing tasks.