During a lesson on the /ar/ sound, a teacher uses colored paper to assess student understanding. What is the primary purpose of this activity?

Using colored paper to assess student understanding during a lesson on the /ar/ sound serves as a direct method for evaluating how well students grasp the phonetic concept being taught. This activity provides a visual and interactive way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension of the sound. By engaging with the material in a hands-on manner, students can show their understanding through a tangible representation—such as choosing or using specific colors associated with the /ar/ sound or related words.

The primary purpose of this assessment method is to gauge each student's ability to recognize, produce, or differentiate the /ar/ sound, which is essential for developing their phonemic awareness. By focusing on understanding rather than competition or creative expression, the teacher can effectively obtain valuable insights into student progress and areas that may require further instructional support.