Why should teachers focus on modeling letter-sound correspondences visually?

Focusing on modeling letter-sound correspondences visually significantly enhances students' understanding of reading because it provides a clear, tangible representation of abstract concepts. Visual modeling helps students make connections between graphemes (the written letters) and phonemes (the sounds they represent), which is essential for decoding skills. By seeing and interacting with visual representations, such as charts, drawings, or manipulative materials, students are better equipped to grasp how sounds correlate with letters. This visual support can be particularly beneficial for diverse learners, including those who may struggle with phonemic awareness, as it caters to various learning styles and reinforces auditory learning through visual cues. Ultimately, this method encourages students to be more confident and proficient in their reading abilities.