NDE1067: The Science of Reading Pathway: Phonemic Awareness Microcredential (Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers, Licensed Personnel)

Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to recognize, hear, and manipulate phonemes - the smallest units of sound in language. Phonemic awareness deals entirely with sounds; therefore, it is totally auditory. It serves as a foundational skill for learning phonics, as children without strong phonemic awareness often find it challenging to connect sounds with letters, which can hinder their reading development. Research has consistently shown that well-developed phonemic awareness supports all aspects of reading success. This microcredential focuses on phonemic awareness as an essential component of the reading process.