In phonics, what term describes the initial sound or sounds before the first vowel in a one-syllable word?

The term that describes the initial sound or sounds before the first vowel in a one-syllable word is known as the onset. In phonics, understanding onsets is essential because they provide a framework for blending sounds to form words.

For instance, in the word "cat," the onset is the "c" sound, occurring before the vowel "a." This foundational component helps learners identify how sounds come together in syllables, which is crucial for developing reading skills. By recognizing onsets, students can better decode words, making this knowledge a vital part of phonetic instruction.