What is phonics primarily concerned with?

Phonics is primarily concerned with sound-letter relationships, which refers to the understanding of how sounds in spoken language correspond to letters and combinations of letters in written language. This foundational skill is crucial for reading development, as it enables learners to decode words by sounding them out based on their knowledge of individual letters and the sounds they represent. The ability to recognize these relationships aids in recognizing familiar words and helps children develop their spelling skills as well. Understanding phonics supports the development of reading fluency and comprehension, making it an essential component of early literacy education.