New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

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Prepare effectively for the NYSTCE Early Childhood Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations to master key concepts. Boost your readiness for the certification exam!

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Why is knowledge of prefixes important in early literacy?

  1. They indicate the tone of a word

  2. They can change the meaning of a root word

  3. They provide the necessary root for syllabication

  4. They help with the pronunciation of consonant clusters

The correct answer is: They can change the meaning of a root word

Knowledge of prefixes is important in early literacy primarily because they can change the meaning of a root word. Understanding prefixes allows young learners to expand their vocabulary and comprehend more complex words by recognizing how prefixes alter the meaning when added to base words. For instance, the prefix "un-" can be added to "happy" to create "unhappy," indicating a change from a positive to a negative state. This skill not only helps in building vocabulary but also enhances reading comprehension and language development, as children learn to decode and make sense of unfamiliar words. Recognizing prefixes empowers students to infer the meanings of new words, thereby fostering independent reading and learning.