What is a key characteristic of phonics instruction?

• A. Emphasis on visual arts
• B. Teaching the relationship between letters and sounds
• C. Promoting oral language only
• D. Focusing on comprehension without decoding

Answer: (B)

Phonics instruction is fundamentally centered around teaching students the relationship between letters and their corresponding sounds. This approach provides learners with the foundational skills needed to decode words, which is crucial for developing strong reading abilities. By understanding how letters combine to form sounds, students can begin to sound out words, leading to improved reading fluency and comprehension over time.

This characteristic distinguishes phonics from other instructional methods that might focus on visual arts or solely on promoting oral language. Unlike the options that emphasize comprehension without decoding, phonics integrates decoding skills, essential for beginning readers to successfully interact with text.