Why Phonemic Awareness Matters: The First Step Toward Reading Success

Think of phonemic awareness as the first plank on your child’s bridge to reading. Before kids can connect letters to sounds, they need to hear and play with those sounds. In this video, Sarah explains what phonemic awareness is, why it’s so important, and how parents can spot early red flags that may lead to reading struggles.

You’ll learn:

✅ What phonemic awareness looks like in action (rhyming, blending, segmenting, and manipulating sounds)

✅ Why it’s the single best predictor of early reading and spelling success

✅ Signs your child may need extra support

✅ Simple, fun ways to practice at home

Key takeaway: If a child can’t hear the sounds in words, reading will always feel like a struggle. But with the right awareness and early practice, every child can build a strong bridge to reading success.

Key Resource: We use and recommend the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) Student Center Activities for Kindergarten and 1st grade — especially the phonological awareness tools. Check out these free, research-based game ideas and printable materials. https://fcrr.org/student-center-activities/kindergarten-and-first-grade#sca3