Which of the following is a key component of reading instruction?

Phonemic awareness is critical to reading instruction as it refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This skill is foundational for developing reading proficiency because it aids children in understanding the alphabetic principle—the understanding that letters correspond to sounds. Through activities that build phonemic awareness, students learn to segment sounds in words, blend sounds to form words, and manipulate sounds to create new words, all of which are essential skills for proficient reading.

In contrast, the other options, while valuable in their respective areas, do not directly contribute to the fundamental skills needed for reading. Mathematical reasoning supports numeracy and problem-solving skills; artistic expression encourages creativity and emotional development; and physical fitness promotes health and well-being. However, none of these components specifically target the foundational skills that facilitate reading development like phonemic awareness does.