Why is phonemic awareness crucial in structured literacy?

Phonemic awareness is crucial in structured literacy because it directly relates to the ability of students to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language. This foundational skill involves understanding that words are made up of individual sounds, or phonemes, and being able to isolate, blend, segment, and manipulate these sounds. By developing phonemic awareness, students enhance their reading and spelling abilities, as it helps them connect sounds with letters and understand the phonetic structure of words. Engaging with sounds before associating them with writing is essential for effective reading instruction, making phonemic awareness a cornerstone of structured literacy programs.