What characterizes analytic phonics?

The key characteristic of analytic phonics is its approach of first presenting whole words to the learner before breaking them down into their individual components. This method helps students recognize that words are made up of various sounds and letter combinations, promoting an understanding of how words function within language. By engaging with complete words initially, students can develop context and familiarity with language patterns, which they can then analyze in parts. This foundational comprehension aids in developing their reading skills effectively.

In contrast, other methods like emphasizing grapheme-to-phoneme conversion focus on breaking down sounds without first presenting whole words. Teaching strategies for improving writing skills typically focus on composition rather than phonics, and assessments on word recognition measure skills rather than teach the principles of phonics itself. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the initial engagement with whole words, which is a hallmark of analytic phonics.