What do systematic synthetic phonics programmes support in early education?

Systematic synthetic phonics programs are specifically designed to support early reading skills by teaching children the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes) in a structured manner. This approach enables learners to decode words, thereby enhancing their reading ability at an early age. By systematically introducing sounds and blending them together, children gain the fundamental skills needed to read fluently and develop their reading comprehension.

In contrast, while numeracy skills, social skills, and creative thinking are all important aspects of a child's development, they are not the primary focus of systematic synthetic phonics programs. These programs are concentrated on the foundational elements of reading, making it crucial for early literacy development.