Combining parts of two words to create a new word, often called consonant blends, is a fundamental phonetic skill taught in kindergarten. For example, the sounds /b/ and /l/ blend together to form “bl” as in “blue” or “block.” This process helps young learners decode and pronounce more complex words by recognizing familiar sound patterns.
This skill is crucial for early literacy development. Recognizing and decoding these combined sounds builds a strong foundation for reading fluency and comprehension. It allows children to move beyond simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words and tackle more challenging vocabulary. Historically, phonics instruction, including the blending of sounds, has been a cornerstone of reading education, enabling students to unlock the written word through sound-letter relationships.
