What does "onset" refer to in reading?

Onset refers to the initial consonant sound or sounds that occur before the first vowel in a word. For example, in the word "cat," the onset is the "c" sound, and in "spray," the onset is "spr." Understanding onsets is important in literacy development, particularly in phonemic awareness, as it helps young learners break down words into their individual sounds, making it easier for them to decode and spell.

Recognizing onsets can also aid in rhyming activities and phonological skills, laying a foundational understanding of how words are formed and pronounced. This understanding enhances reading fluency and supports the development of effective literacy strategies in early childhood education.