Why is it important for second-grade students to have foundational phonics skills?

Having foundational phonics skills is crucial for second-grade students primarily because it enhances their reading fluency. Phonics refers to the relationship between sounds and the letters that represent those sounds, enabling students to decode words as they read. When students have a solid understanding of phonics, they can sound out unfamiliar words more quickly and accurately, which increases their ability to read smoothly and with expression.

Reading fluency is essential because it allows students to focus their cognitive resources on understanding the text rather than on the mechanics of reading. This fluency in turn supports comprehension, enabling students to engage more deeply with the material and explore more complex texts as they progress. Therefore, strong phonics skills provide the foundation necessary for developing the fluency that is vital in mastering reading as a whole.