What does phonics instruction teach children?

Phonics instruction primarily focuses on letter-sound correspondences, which is a crucial component in the development of reading skills. This approach teaches children the relationships between letters and the sounds they represent, enabling them to decode words. By understanding these correspondences, students can sound out unfamiliar words, enhancing their reading fluency and comprehension. Phonics instruction lays the foundation for literacy by helping students master the basic mechanics of reading, which is essential for further development in their educational journey.

In contrast, the other options represent areas that do not align with the primary goals of phonics instruction. Mathematical problem-solving skills pertain to mathematics education, while creative writing techniques relate to composition and expressing thoughts in writing. Social interaction strategies focus on communication and interpersonal skills rather than the specifics of reading and decoding words. Understanding letter-sound correspondences is thus the core of what phonics instruction aims to teach children.