Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What is the primary focus during direct explicit teaching?

1. Generating interest in reading

2. Understanding phoneme isolation

3. Understanding print concepts

4. Practicing letter sound recognition

The correct answer is: Understanding print concepts

In direct explicit teaching, the primary focus is on providing clear, structured instruction that helps students understand specific skills or concepts systematically and in a straightforward manner. Understanding print concepts is crucial because it forms the foundation for reading development. This includes teaching students about the organization of print, such as the directionality of reading (left to right), concepts of word (distinguishing between letters and words), and the function of spaces, punctuation, and other print elements. By ensuring students have a strong grasp of print concepts, educators enable them to become more proficient readers, as these concepts are essential for navigating texts effectively. When students are grounded in print concepts, they’re better equipped to tackle other reading skills, such as phoneme isolation and letter-sound recognition. Thus, direct explicit teaching prioritizes these foundational elements to promote overall literacy development.