What does segmenting refer to in early literacy development?

Segmenting in early literacy development specifically focuses on the skill of breaking words into individual phonemes or syllables. This practice is fundamental to phonemic awareness, which is crucial for young learners as they begin to decode and spell words. By segmenting, children learn to identify the distinct sounds that make up each word, which supports their reading and writing skills.

Understanding segmenting is essential because it helps children recognize how words are constructed, which in turn enhances their ability to sound out unfamiliar words and understand letter-sound relationships. This foundational phonological skill allows students to manipulate sounds, contributing to their overall literacy development. The other options, while related to literacy in different ways, do not capture the specific focus of segmenting as accurately. Combining words to form sentences, identifying rhymes, and analyzing complex texts pertain to different aspects of language and literacy skills.