What is the main focus of phonics as an instructional method?

Phonics as an instructional method primarily focuses on enhancing letter-sound correspondences. This approach teaches students how to associate letters and combinations of letters with the sounds they represent, ultimately creating a foundation for reading. By understanding these relationships, students are better equipped to decode unfamiliar words, which is a critical skill in developing reading fluency and comprehension.

This method emphasizes the systematic teaching of these relationships, starting with the most basic sounds and gradually moving to more complex patterns. Mastering phonics is essential because it enables learners to apply this knowledge when encountering new vocabulary, thus promoting independent reading.