In this blog post, we’ll dive into effective strategies for preparing for the Teaching Reading certification exam. Whether you’re taking the Praxis 5205, Praxis 5206, Texas STR, or another similar test, these insights will support you by focusing on foundational skills for teaching reading, such as phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. This post also provides tips for understanding question patterns, helping you approach even the most complex questions with confidence.
Let’s start with a common challenge faced on reading exams: distinguishing between answer choices that seem correct. For example, many questions may present multiple “good” answers, but only one answer is “most effective.” To find the best answer, it’s essential to interpret each choice critically and consider how each option aligns with specific reading skills. This approach can be guided by understanding essential literacy skills and by examining answer choices systematically.
One strategy that proves helpful is working backwards—starting with the answer choices before reading the question fully. By scanning answers first, you can identify the best or most relevant answer based on keywords and teaching principles. For instance, an answer that includes terms like “engagement with decodable texts” often points to phonics instruction. Decodable texts align with phonics because they allow students to apply phonics rules, supporting decoding skills crucial for early readers. This term is often an indicator of a strong answer choice for questions focusing on phonics development.
To illustrate, let’s look at a sample question where the goal is to identify the “most effective” strategy for enhancing students’ phonics skills. A correct answer in this context would ideally involve varied opportunities to engage with decodable texts, supporting skill-building through real-world applications rather than rote testing. When assessing options, it’s essential to recognize terms related to foundational skills like “engagement,” “variety,” “authentic texts,” and “decodable,” as these are often aligned with skill development.
Similarly, in questions about comprehension, look for options that include higher-order thinking processes such as “analysis” or “evaluation.” For example, a question asking for methods to “enhance word analysis skills” would likely have the best answer involving analysis skills through varied text types—fiction, non-fiction, poetry—to foster critical thinking.
For all types of questions on this exam, remember these pointers:
- Identify Key Skills: Know the specific skill the question targets—whether it’s phonics, fluency, or comprehension.
- Eliminate Weak Choices: Discard answers that don’t directly support the skill. For example, independent reading is beneficial but may not directly improve phonics if that’s the skill in question.
- Focus on Terms Indicating Active Engagement: Terms like “decodable texts,” “authentic materials,” and “systematic practice” often signal effective choices for skill-building.
- Prioritize Structured, Evidence-Based Practices: Answers that involve explicit, systematic instruction align well with evidence-based reading instruction, a key focus of these exams.
As you approach your study sessions, aim to think like a test maker: analyze questions carefully, work backwards with answer choices, and remain focused on the specific skill targeted. These strategies will not only enhance your understanding of teaching reading concepts but also improve your ability to choose the most effective answer with confidence on test day.
