Define the term "decoding" in reading.

Decoding refers to the process of translating written text into spoken words. It involves recognizing letters and their corresponding sounds, then blending those sounds together to form words. This skill is fundamental to reading because it enables readers to understand what they are seeing on the page and to convert written language into a form they can articulate and comprehend. Successful decoding allows readers to make sense of words in context, which is essential for effective reading and comprehension.