Phoneme Segmentation

Phoneme segmentation is the process of breaking down words into their smallest sound units, called phonemes. For example, the word "cat" has three phonemes: /c/, /a/, and /t/. This skill helps in understanding how words are constructed sound-by-sound, which is essential for reading and spelling development. It allows individuals to analyze words more precisely, facilitating better decoding of unfamiliar words and aiding language learning. Phoneme segmentation is a foundational component of phonological awareness, supporting literacy skills by making the relationship between sounds and written symbols more explicit.