The ability to transform written symbols into recognizable speech sounds and ultimately comprehend the meaning of text is a fundamental reading skill. This process involves applying knowledge of letter-sound relationships, including phonics, to accurately pronounce words. For example, a reader uses knowledge of how the letters “c-a-t” sound individually and together to say the word “cat” and then understand that it refers to a feline animal.
This skill is essential for reading comprehension and overall literacy development. Proficiency in this area allows readers to access the meaning of written materials independently and efficiently. Historically, emphasis on this skill has fluctuated in reading instruction, but its importance as a foundational element for successful reading is consistently recognized in research and educational practice.
