What is the primary purpose of phonics instruction?

The primary purpose of phonics instruction is to teach students the relationship between letters and sounds, which equips them with the skills to decode new words. Understanding phonics helps learners make connections between the letters they see (graphemes) and the sounds they make (phonemes). This foundational skill is critical for reading, as it enables students to sound out unfamiliar words, contributing to their overall reading fluency and comprehension abilities.

When students grasp phonics, they become more proficient at recognizing patterns in language, which aids their ability to read independently. This skill set lays the groundwork for developing further literacy skills, including vocabulary development and comprehension. In contrast, improving writing skills, connecting pictures to words, or enhancing speaking abilities, while important, do not specifically address the fundamental reading process facilitated by phonics.