What is “decoding” in the context of reading?

Decoding refers specifically to the process of translating written words into their corresponding sounds so that they can be read accurately. This process involves recognizing the letters and understanding the relationships between those letters and their sounds, which is fundamental for developing reading fluency.

Decoding allows readers to sound out unfamiliar words and is a critical skill in early reading development. As students practice decoding, they enhance their ability to read more complex texts by breaking down the phonetic components of words. This foundational skill is vital in helping readers progress and build their overall literacy.

In contrast, other options represent different reading skills. Summarizing involves condensing a text's main ideas, inferring meanings is about drawing conclusions from the context rather than direct recognition of words, and visualizing story elements pertains to creating mental images based on descriptive language, rather than the mechanical process of reading itself.