What foundational skill does phonics primarily support in early literacy?

Phonics is fundamentally linked to the skill of decoding, which is the ability to interpret and make sense of written words by understanding the relationships between letters and sounds. When children learn phonics, they acquire the knowledge of how specific letters correspond to particular sounds, enabling them to sound out unfamiliar words. This foundational skill is critical for early readers as it directly impacts their ability to read accurately and fluently.

By mastering phonics, students can break down words into manageable parts, leading to greater confidence and effectiveness in reading independently. As they practice decoding through phonics instruction, they become more proficient at recognizing patterns and applying their understanding to new words, which is essential for their overall reading development.