In the synthetic approach to phonics instruction, which element is typically taught first?

In the synthetic approach to phonics instruction, the first element typically taught is letter names. This foundational step is crucial for beginning readers as it helps them understand the sounds associated with each letter. Knowing letter names allows students to recognize and articulate the individual sounds that letters represent, which is essential for developing phonemic awareness.

By starting with letter names, educators provide students with the tools they need to decode words. Once students are familiar with the names and corresponding sounds of the letters, they can move on to blending those sounds to form words. This sequential progression supports a systematic understanding of how written language works and promotes confidence in reading skills from an early stage.

Although other choices like word families and blending sounds play important roles in the overall phonics instruction framework, they typically build upon the foundational knowledge gained from recognizing letter names. Reading strategies, while important for comprehension, come into play after students have developed a basic understanding of letter-sound relationships.