* Phonics: The foundation of reading is understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. Children learn to decode words by recognizing the sounds each letter or letter combination makes.
* Decoding: Knowing the sounds helps children break down unfamiliar words into smaller, manageable parts. They can then blend those sounds together to read the word.
* Fluency: Recognizing the sounds of words quickly and accurately allows children to read fluently and with expression.
* Comprehension: When children can decode words easily, they can focus their attention on understanding the meaning of the text.
While phonics is crucial, especially in early literacy development, it's not the only factor in reading:
* Vocabulary: Knowing the meanings of words is essential for comprehension, even if a child can decode the words.
* Context Clues: Readers use the surrounding text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.
* Visual Cues: Pictures, illustrations, and text formatting can also provide clues to the meaning of words.
In summary: The sounds of words are a key building block for reading. By understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, children can decode words, read fluently, and comprehend the meaning of the text.