What is the process of encoding in language development?

The process of encoding in language development refers specifically to the ability to blend individual sounds and letters to form words. Encoding is crucial for reading and writing, as it involves translating spoken language into written symbols. This means that children must learn how to take the individual sounds (phonemes) of speech and combine them to create words that they can then write down.

In this context, the other choices reflect different aspects of language development. Breaking words into phonemes pertains to decoding, which involves segmenting words into their constituent sounds. Following grammatical rules in sentence formation relates to syntax and the overall structure of language rather than the encoding process. Recognizing words by sight aligns with sight word recognition, part of reading fluency but not specifically about encoding. Thus, blending sounds and letters to create words effectively captures the essence of encoding in language development.