When a student has awareness of phonemes in words, syllables, onset-rime segments, and spelling, he or she is demonstrating what?

• A. Phonological awareness
• B. Literacy comprehension
• C. Word recognition
• D. Textual analysis

Answer: (A)

When a student demonstrates awareness of phonemes in words, syllables, onset-rime segments, and spelling, they are showcasing phonological awareness. This concept refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound structure of language. Phonological awareness is a critical skill that lays the foundation for reading and writing. It involves understanding how sounds function in speech and how they can be segmented or blended to form words.

This awareness includes recognizing that words are made up of various components, such as syllables and individual sounds (phonemes), and understanding patterns in sounds, such as onset and rime. By being proficient in these areas, students can more easily develop their reading skills, as they can decode unfamiliar words and better grasp the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters in spelling.

In contrast, literacy comprehension involves understanding and interpreting written texts, word recognition refers to the ability to identify words quickly and accurately, and textual analysis is about examining the structure, meaning, and context of texts. While all these concepts are important for reading development, phonological awareness specifically addresses the foundational auditory skills necessary for understanding the sound systems in language.