What does decoding refer to in reading instruction?

Decoding in reading instruction refers specifically to the ability to understand the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or groups of letters (graphemes). This skill is fundamental in enabling readers to translate written language into spoken language. When students decode, they apply their knowledge of phonics to sound out words, allowing them to read new texts independently.

This process is critical for developing reading fluency and comprehension, as it equips learners with the tools to recognize unfamiliar words instead of relying solely on memorization or context clues. Decoding includes strategies like blending sounds to read words and segmenting words into their component sounds to understand their spelling. It lays the groundwork for further advancement in reading skills, such as fluency and vocabulary expansion.

Understanding this concept is vital for educators and therapists working with struggling readers, as targeted interventions in decoding can lead to significant improvements in overall reading ability.