Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice 2026 - Free FORT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Children are typically ready to begin using phonics when they engage in inventive spelling. Inventive spelling, which refers to the attempt by young learners to spell words using their current understanding of phonics and spelling patterns, demonstrates their ability to connect sounds with letters. This process indicates that they are experimenting with the sounds they hear in words and can manipulate those sounds, which is a key foundational skill for phonics instruction.

At this stage, children are developing phonemic awareness, which is crucial for phonics. The ability to decode words by understanding the relationship between sounds and letters forms the basis of effective reading instruction. When children practice inventive spelling, it shows they are not only aware of sound-letter relationships but are actively trying to apply this knowledge in their writing. This readiness suggests they are primed to benefit from more formal phonics instruction, which will further enhance their reading skills.