A second grade ESE student practices identifying similar sounds in different words. This practice falls under which category?

• A. Phonological awareness
• B. Reading fluency
• C. Lexical analysis
• D. Creative writing

Answer: (A)

Identifying similar sounds in different words is a key component of phonological awareness. This area of literacy involves recognizing and manipulating the sound structures of language, such as phonemes and syllables. By focusing on similar sounds, the student is engaging in activities that help develop their ability to hear, distinguish, and understand the sounds that make up words, which is crucial for reading development.

Phonological awareness includes skills such as rhyming, segmenting, and blending sounds, all of which support early literacy skills. This foundational ability allows students to make connections between sounds and letters, further enhancing their reading capabilities as they progress. Thus, practicing identifying similar sounds aligns directly with the objectives of phonological awareness.