California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The main goal of phonics instruction is to understand the predictable relationships between letters and sounds. Phonics teaches learners how to decode words by recognizing the sounds associated with letters and combination of letters, which is pivotal in aiding reading development. By grasping these relationships, students can apply this knowledge to read unfamiliar words, thus enhancing their overall reading proficiency.

In this context, while phonemic awareness is an important component of early literacy, it specifically focuses on the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words, rather than the relationship between letters and those sounds. Furthermore, critical thinking skills and social skills, although vital for holistic education, do not primarily align with the primary function of phonics instruction, which is focused on the mechanics of reading. The primary aim is to establish a strong foundational understanding that supports the reading process.