In teaching reading, what is the purpose of phonics?

The purpose of phonics in teaching reading is fundamentally to enable learners to decode words by sounds. Phonics instruction teaches students the relationships between letters and sounds, providing them with the ability to break down and sound out unfamiliar words. This skill is crucial for reading fluency and comprehension, as it allows learners to read new words they encounter independently rather than relying solely on memorization of whole words. By understanding the sounds that letters and letter combinations make, children can apply that knowledge to read a variety of texts, expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their overall reading skills. This systematic approach to understanding the building blocks of language equips learners with a valuable tool for navigating written material.