Why is it important to teach decoding skills?

Teaching decoding skills is vital because they form the foundational mechanism through which students learn to understand and make sense of written language. Decoding involves translating printed words into their spoken forms, enabling students to recognize words and access their meanings. When students can decode efficiently, they are better equipped to read fluently—reading smoothly and with appropriate pace and expression. This fluency is closely tied to reading comprehension; when students decode accurately and quickly, they can focus more on the meaning of the text rather than getting stuck on individual words. Therefore, the development of decoding skills directly enhances both reading fluency and comprehension, which are essential for academic success across all subjects that require reading.