Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is the first stage in the stages of spelling development?

1. Conventional

2. Phonetic

3. Precommunicative

4. Transitional

The correct answer is: Conventional

The first stage in the stages of spelling development is the precommunicative stage. During this phase, young children begin to experiment with writing and spelling but do not yet understand the conventions of spelling or the phonemic structure of words. Instead, they may use random letters, letter-like forms, and shapes to express their thoughts. They typically write their names or familiar words but have not yet grasped standard spelling rules or relationships between letters and sounds. Understanding this foundational stage is vital because it lays the groundwork for future spelling development. After precommunicative, children progress to the phonetic stage, where they start to make connections between sounds and letters, but initially, they explore writing without structured spelling conventions. Recognizing the precommunicative stage helps educators tailor their teaching methods to support children at the beginning of their literacy journey effectively.