Why is decoding words important for students?

Decoding words is a crucial skill for students as it directly contributes to building reading fluency and comprehension. When students learn to decode, they are developing the ability to break down words into their individual sounds and then blend those sounds to form the correct pronunciation of words. This foundational skill enables them to read words accurately, which in turn allows them to focus on the meaning of what they are reading rather than getting stuck on how to pronounce each word.

Reading fluency refers to the ability to read a text smoothly and quickly with proper expression. As students become more proficient in decoding, they can read more fluently, which leads to better comprehension. When students read fluently, they can engage with the text at a deeper level, making connections and understanding the context, rather than merely translating symbols into sounds. Thus, mastering decoding serves as a stepping stone for more advanced literacy skills, including critical thinking and analysis of texts.