New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following strategies is NOT effective for spelling instruction?

1. Using multisensory approaches

2. Weekly spelling patterns familiarity

3. Only testing students on random words

4. Word sorts and tracing activities

The correct answer is: Only testing students on random words

The strategy that is not effective for spelling instruction involves testing students on random words. Randomly chosen words lack a structured approach and do not connect to the phonetic or morphological patterns that students need to develop their spelling skills effectively. Effective spelling instruction typically focuses on teaching students the relationships between sounds and letters, which helps them to generalize their understanding to new words. In contrast, using multisensory approaches engages students through various modalities—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—encouraging deeper learning and retention. Weekly spelling patterns familiarize students with specific types of words, allowing them to recognize and apply spelling rules. Additionally, word sorts and tracing activities provide hands-on practice that reinforces spelling through organized learning and physical activity, making the process more interactive and memorable. These methods support a targeted and strategic approach to building spelling skills, which is more effective in helping students achieve spelling proficiency.