Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What is the correct order of the phonological awareness progression from bottom to top?

1. Word sentences, rhyme, syllabication

2. Onset and rimes, individual phonemes, syllabication

3. Individual phonemes, rhyme, word sentences

4. Beginning phoneme, end phoneme, syllabication

The correct answer is: Word sentences, rhyme, syllabication

The correct order of the phonological awareness progression from bottom to top reflects the increasing complexity of phonological skills. In this case, word sentences, rhyme, and then syllabication accurately illustrates the hierarchy. Starting with word sentences is foundational because this involves understanding the structure of language at the sentence level, which is the broadest unit. Moving next to rhyme demonstrates a more specific skill—recognizing patterns in sound at the end of words, which is a crucial precursor to understanding phonemes. Finally, syllabication involves breaking words down into their syllables, which is a more complex task that requires understanding both the phonological structure and the syllable patterns within words. This progression underscores how refined phonological awareness skills emerge from initial, broader understanding. Recognizing the correct order helps educators appropriately teach these skills, moving from simpler to more complex tasks in a structured manner.