Why are phonics skills important in early literacy?

Phonics skills are essential in early literacy because they provide children with the tools needed to decode unfamiliar words. By understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, children can sound out new words they encounter in texts, which builds their confidence and ability to read independently. This decoding skill not only supports reading fluency but also reinforces their understanding of word formation, which is crucial for expanding vocabulary. As children become more proficient at decoding words, they will also begin to enhance their comprehension abilities, as they can focus more on the meaning of the text rather than being bogged down by trying to figure out how to pronounce each word. Thus, phonics skills lay a foundational element of reading that is critical for later literacy development.