Which term describes the method of converting letters or letter combinations into sounds and blending them to form recognizable words?

The method of converting letters or letter combinations into sounds and blending them to form recognizable words is known as Synthetic Phonics. This approach emphasizes teaching students to decipher words by breaking them down into their individual phonemes— the smallest units of sound— and then blending those sounds together to read whole words.

Synthetic Phonics typically starts with teaching the sounds associated with individual letters and letter combinations before progressing to the blending process, equipping learners with the skills needed to effectively decode unfamiliar words. This foundational skill is crucial for early reading development, as it helps students build the phonetic awareness necessary for reading fluently.

Other methods, like Analytic Phonics, involve teaching students to analyze whole words to identify familiar parts, which is different from the sound-to-word blending methodology of Synthetic Phonics. Additionally, Fluency refers to the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression, which builds upon the skills developed through phonics instruction, but is not a method of decoding itself. Independent reading pertains to students reading on their own without specific instructional guidance, and while it is important for practice, it does not directly relate to the phonics method in question.