What is phoneme segmentation the ability to do?

Phoneme segmentation refers to the ability to verbally break down a word into its individual sounds, or phonemes. This skill is crucial in understanding how words are formed and how each sound contributes to the overall word. For example, if given the word "cat," a person demonstrating phoneme segmentation would identify and articulate the separate sounds /k/, /æ/, and /t/. This ability is foundational for reading and spelling, as it helps individuals decode words and phonics patterns effectively.

The understanding of other options, such as blending sounds to create words, counting syllables, or recognizing rhymes, point to different phonological awareness skills but do not encompass the specific task of phoneme segmentation.