What is a key advantage of phonics instruction?

Phonics instruction is particularly advantageous because it equips students with the skills needed to decode words independently. When students learn the relationships between letters and sounds, they develop the ability to sound out unfamiliar words, which is a foundational skill for reading. This self-sufficiency enables them to tackle new texts on their own, thereby increasing their confidence and fostering a love for reading.

While vocabulary development and comprehension strategies are essential components of literacy, phonics specifically targets decoding skills. Additionally, phonics does not focus on memorization as a primary strategy; rather, it encourages understanding of the systematic relationships in language that help learners independently read and decipher words they haven't encountered before. Thus, the focus on decoding through phonics is what makes it an especially key part of reading instruction.