1. Primary-grade teachers should encourage students to __________

a.downplay the importance of grammar and spelling.
b.experiment with invented spelling.
c.use critical thinking skills when writing.
d.read more picture books.

We're not going to give you the answers to these Ashford questions.

However, I'll be glad to check your answer.

Right.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options provided:

a. Downplay the importance of grammar and spelling: This option suggests that teachers should discourage students from focusing on correct grammar and spelling. However, primary-grade teachers typically aim to develop foundational language skills, including grammar and spelling. Thus, this option is unlikely to be the correct answer.

b. Experiment with invented spelling: Invented spelling is a strategy that encourages students to use their knowledge of letter sounds to write words phonetically. It helps them practice their phonemic awareness and allows for creativity in spelling. Since the option states that primary-grade teachers should encourage students to do this, it aligns with the aim of developing early writing skills. This option seems like a possible correct answer.

c. Use critical thinking skills when writing: Critical thinking skills involve analyzing, evaluating, and forming judgments. Although critical thinking is an essential skill, it may be more suitable for learning tasks outside of primary-grade writing. Hence, while important, this option might not be the most explicit and relevant answer to the question.

d. Read more picture books: Picture books play a crucial role in early literacy development by engaging students' imagination, building vocabulary, and fostering a love of reading. However, the question specifically asks about encouraging students in their writing, not reading. Therefore, while reading picture books is beneficial, it may not be directly related to developing writing skills.

Considering the options and their relevance to encouraging students' writing skills, option b, "experiment with invented spelling," appears to be the most appropriate answer for primary-grade teachers. Encouraging students to use invented spelling can foster their creativity and phonemic awareness, which are important foundations for writing.