Question 9

Using a finger to touch each word on a line of a story helps illustrate the return-sweep concept effectively.

This method allows preschoolers to physically engage with the text, reinforcing their understanding of how to navigate lines of print from left to right. It visually demonstrates the return-sweep concept, which is crucial for early literacy development.

A) Holding a big book open and upside down and looking down on its first pages while waiting for the students to say “You are holding the book upside down!”

This option may capture students' attention, but it does not effectively teach the return-sweep concept. Instead, it focuses on the incorrect positioning of the book, which distracts from the fundamental reading skills being developed.

B) Using a finger to touch each word on a line of a story and then keeping the finger on the page slowly moving it to the left side of the next line before continuing to read the story

This approach is highly effective in illustrating the return-sweep concept. It encourages children to follow along with their finger, promoting the understanding that after finishing one line, they must return to the left to begin the next line, which is essential for developing reading fluency.

C) Pointing to the author's name on the front of the book acting surprised and saying “Look who wrote his name on the book! It must belong to him. Should we ask him if we can read it?”

While this option can engage students with the idea of authorship, it does not support the understanding of reading directionality or the return-sweep concept. This method diverts focus from the act of reading itself.

D) Starting to read a big book stopping at a dramatic point in the story to have the students make a prediction and then reading the rest of the book to see which student made the best prediction.

This strategy encourages critical thinking and engagement with the story, but it does not address the mechanics of reading. It overlooks the specific skill of tracking words across lines, which is essential for preschoolers to master early literacy.

Conclusion

The correct answer, option B, effectively teaches preschoolers the return-sweep concept by promoting active engagement with text. This physical interaction is crucial for developing early reading skills, while the other options either misdirect focus or do not address this fundamental concept, making them less effective for illustrating the mechanics of reading.