What does phonics teach?

Phonics teaches the relationship between letters and their sounds, which is fundamental for developing reading skills. By understanding how different letters and combinations of letters correspond to specific sounds, learners can decode and pronounce words accurately. This skill is essential for beginning readers, as it allows them to break down unfamiliar words into manageable parts, ultimately fostering independence in reading.

While fluency, manipulating sounds, and understanding vowel lengths are all important aspects of literacy development, they build on the foundational knowledge obtained through phonics. Without a solid grasp of how letters represent sounds, students may struggle in other areas of reading and language development. Thus, mastering phonics is a key step in the journey toward proficient reading.