In addition to reading, what other skill is significantly enhanced through phonics instruction?

Phonics instruction plays a crucial role in enhancing spelling ability. When learners are taught the relationship between letters and sounds, they develop a deeper understanding of how words are formed. This knowledge allows them to decode and encode words more effectively.

Phonics provides students with tools to recognize and manipulate the sounds in words, which directly translates to their spelling skills. For instance, understanding that the letter combination "sh" corresponds to a specific sound can help children spell words like "shoe" or "fish" correctly. Additionally, when students learn to segment and blend sounds, they are better equipped to spell unfamiliar words by applying the phonetic rules they have learned.

This foundational skill gained through phonics not only boosts their ability to spell but also supports reading fluency by reinforcing their awareness of word structure and letter-sound relationships.