What challenge might a child face if they do not understand the alphabetic principle?

Understanding the alphabetic principle is crucial for literacy development, as it encompasses the idea that letters and groups of letters in written language correspond to sounds in spoken language. When a child does not grasp this principle, they likely face significant challenges in reading and spelling.

Specifically, if a child cannot connect letters to their corresponding sounds, they will struggle to decode unfamiliar words during reading, which inhibits their ability to learn new vocabulary and limits their overall reading fluency. In writing, without understanding how sounds translate to letters, appropriately spelling words will be difficult, particularly for those they have not previously encountered.

The other options do not relate directly to the consequences of not understanding the alphabetic principle. For example, excelling in mathematical skills or becoming proficient in oral storytelling does not depend on one’s understanding of the alphabetic principle, and the ability to write without guidance is unlikely when foundational literacy skills are lacking.