How does phonics instruction support reading development?

Phonics instruction is fundamentally about making connections between sounds and the letters or combinations of letters that represent those sounds. This process is crucial for developing reading skills because it allows students to decode words—understanding how to translate written symbols into their spoken equivalents. When students learn phonics, they gain the ability to sound out unfamiliar words, which is a key step in becoming proficient readers. This skill is essential for both recognition of high-frequency words and for tackling new vocabulary independently.

While encouraging creative writing, focusing solely on vocabulary, or emphasizing comprehension strategies have their places in literacy instruction, they do not directly address the foundational skill of decoding that phonics specifically targets. Without a strong phonics background, students may struggle to read accurately and fluently, which can ultimately impact their overall reading comprehension and engagement with texts.