During which stage do children learn that letters represent sounds in spoken words?

The phonetic stage is characterized by children's understanding that letters correspond to specific sounds in spoken words. During this developmental period, learners begin to decode words by associating sounds with their respective letters, which is fundamental for developing reading and writing skills. This understanding is often manifested in their ability to sound out words and their attempts to write phonetically, reflecting their grasp of the alphabetic principle.

In contrast, the preliterate stage involves early exposure to print and language, where children engage in play and experimentation with letters but do not yet connect them with specific sounds. Skill development encompasses a broader range of competencies, building upon phonetic understanding without being limited to just the sound-letter relationship. Word extension typically refers to the ability to apply previously learned words to new contexts, which goes beyond the foundational skill of recognizing letter sounds. Thus, the phonetic stage is crucial for establishing the understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds, serving as a fundamental building block for literacy.