Which activity best supports the development of phonemic awareness in early readers?

The activity of asking students to identify the beginning sounds in words is a fundamental exercise that significantly supports the development of phonemic awareness. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, which is essential for developing reading skills. By focusing on the initial sounds of words, students engage with the phonemic structure of language, enabling them to build connections between sounds and their corresponding letters, ultimately enhancing their understanding of phonics.

In this activity, students become more aware of the sounds that make up words, which lays the groundwork for reading and spelling. This skill is critical, as it helps students decode new words when they encounter them in text, promoting fluency and reading comprehension. Engaging in activities that isolate and manipulate phonemes, particularly at the beginning of words, is an effective way to boost phonemic awareness in early readers.