What are words that contain phonic elements that have previously been taught called?

Decodable words are those that include phonic elements that students have already learned, making them available for decoding during reading activities. These words reinforce the skills that learners have acquired, allowing them to apply their knowledge of sound-letter relationships effectively.

The focus on decodable words is essential in early reading instruction, as it helps students practice their phonics skills in a meaningful context. By using these words, educators can facilitate confidence and fluency in reading, as learners are able to sound out and understand words that align with their existing knowledge.

In contrast, phonetic words may refer to words that relate to phonetics but do not specifically indicate whether they have been taught to the students. Fluent words might refer to those that readers can recognize quickly and easily, but this doesn’t necessarily connect to the phonetic knowledge base. Contextual words might suggest words that are understood through context rather than phonics, which isn't relevant in the context of previously taught phonic elements.