Phonics instruction can be integrated with which other type of instruction?

Integrating phonics instruction with phonemic awareness is highly effective because both focus on the sound structures of language. Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, which is foundational for understanding phonics. When students are taught phonics, they learn the relationship between these sounds and the letters or letter combinations that represent them in written language. Enhancing phonemic awareness alongside phonics instruction helps students decode words more effectively, as they can better understand the connections between spoken and written language. This synergy supports the development of reading skills, making it easier for students to apply their knowledge of sounds when encountering new words.