Why should spelling instruction be included in a first-grade reading program?

Including spelling instruction in a first-grade reading program is important because it reinforces phonics patterns, which are fundamental to developing reading skills. When students engage with spelling, they actively practice the relationships between sounds and letters, enhancing their understanding of phonics. This direct connection helps learners recognize and decode words more effectively, contributing to fluency in reading.

As students learn to spell, they encounter various phonics patterns repeatedly, which cements these patterns in their memory. This reinforcement is critical for developing automaticity in reading; when students can recognize words quickly and effortlessly, they can focus better on comprehension and meaning construction. Thus, spelling instruction is not just about writing words correctly; it also plays a vital role in making the reading process smoother and more efficient.