Which foundational element is crucial for developing a child’s fluency in reading?

Fluency in reading is fundamentally about a child's ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. Phonemic awareness plays a crucial role in this process as it refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This skill allows children to decode words more effectively, leading to improved accuracy and speed when reading.

When children have a strong grasp of phonemic awareness, they can better segment and blend sounds, which is essential for decoding unfamiliar words. This decoding skill, when practiced often, contributes significantly to fluency. Fluent readers can read smoothly and rhythmically, which in turn enhances their overall comprehension of the text. By developing phonemic awareness early on, educators lay a solid groundwork for children to become proficient, confident readers.