Phonics instruction is a teaching method that helps children learn the relationship between letters and sounds. It focuses on teaching the sounds that letters and combinations of letters make, enabling students to decode words while reading. This approach is essential for developing reading skills, as it provides a foundation for understanding how written language works. In phonics instruction, students often engage in activities like sounding out words, blending sounds together, and recognizing patterns in spelling. This systematic approach not only improves reading fluency but also enhances spelling and writing skills, making it a crucial component of early literacy education.