How is phonics primarily used in reading instruction?

Phonics is primarily used in reading instruction to teach the connection between sounds and letters. This approach focuses on helping students understand that letters and combinations of letters represent specific sounds (phonemes) in spoken language. By learning these sound-letter relationships, students can decode or sound out words when reading. This foundational skill is crucial for building reading proficiency, as it enables learners to recognize words and understand that written text corresponds to spoken language.

Understanding phonics is essential for students to develop their reading skills effectively; it lays the groundwork for more advanced reading strategies, such as fluency and comprehension. By mastering phonics, students are better equipped to tackle unfamiliar words, leading to increased confidence and proficiency in their reading abilities.