Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is a primary benefit of using the language experience approach in reading instruction?

1. It builds on students' prior knowledge and interests

2. It improves handwriting skills

3. It focuses on grammar and syntax

4. It emphasizes phonemic awareness

The correct answer is: It builds on students' prior knowledge and interests

The language experience approach is highly effective in reading instruction because it builds on students' prior knowledge and interests. This method involves using students' own spoken language as the basis for reading and writing activities. By incorporating their experiences and personal narratives, students feel more engaged and motivated to learn, as the content resonates with their lives. This approach acknowledges that students bring valuable background knowledge and personal insights to the learning process, which can enhance comprehension and retention of new information. When students can see their experiences reflected in their reading materials, it fosters a sense of ownership and relevance, making the reading process more meaningful. In contrast, the other options, while important in different contexts, do not capture the primary benefit of the language experience approach. Handwriting skills are not the focus of this method, nor is there an explicit emphasis on grammar and syntax. Phonemic awareness is a critical component of reading instruction but is not the central advantage of the language experience approach. Therefore, the primary benefit of this approach lies in its capacity to connect learning to what students already know and care about, ultimately enhancing their engagement and literacy development.