What role does phonics play in early literacy development?

Phonics plays a crucial role in early literacy development by laying the foundation for understanding the relationships between sounds and letters. This approach helps children learn how to decode words, which is essential for reading proficiency. By recognizing the sounds that letters and combinations of letters make, children develop the skills necessary to read unfamiliar words independently. This understanding equips them to sound out words, which is a fundamental component of reading fluency and comprehension. The emphasis on sound-letter relationships through phonics also encourages early readers to engage with the written language in a way that supports their overall literacy development, including both reading and writing skills.