New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the role of capital vs lowercase letter forms in early reading development?

1. It is irrelevant to letter identification

2. Both are equally important in teaching

3. Only uppercase letters should be taught initially

4. Lowercase letters are only significant in writing

The correct answer is: Both are equally important in teaching

The assertion that both uppercase and lowercase letters are equally important in teaching reflects a key understanding in early literacy development. In the context of reading instruction, recognizing that children will encounter both letter forms in various contexts is essential. From a practical standpoint, most text that children will read, especially in early reading materials, predominantly features lowercase letters. This reality makes it crucial for children to develop competence in identifying and utilizing both capital and lowercase letters. Furthermore, uppercase letters serve distinct functions, such as indicating the beginning of sentences or proper names, while lowercase letters form the bulk of written communication. Therefore, providing instruction that incorporates both forms ensures a comprehensive approach to letter recognition and reading fluency. It nurtures children's familiarity with the nuances of written language, which is foundational for their reading development.