* Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) that make up words.
* Phonics is the understanding of how letters and letter combinations represent phonemes, and the ability to use this knowledge to decode words.
* Vocabulary is the knowledge and understanding of words and their meanings.
* Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret written text, including the ability to make connections between ideas, draw inferences, and evaluate the author's purpose and perspective.
Developmental reading instruction typically begins in kindergarten or first grade, and continues through the elementary school years. It is an essential part of a well-rounded education, and helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.