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Phonemic Awareness is a subset of phonological awareness in which listeners are able to distinguish phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can differentiate meaning. For example, a listener with phonemic awareness can break the word "Cat" into three separate phonemes: /k/, /a/, and /t/.

The distinction between phonemic and phonological awareness is often confused since they are interdependent. "Phonological awareness" refers to an awareness that words are made up of sounds which are like interchangeable parts. More specifically, that they consist of syllables, 'onsets and rimes,' and phonemes. This is often taught with word games for rhyming and sound matching. "Others say that phonological awareness can be considered as a broader notion than phonemic awareness" [1].

"Phonemic awareness" is the ability to hear the sounds and distinguish between them. For instance, the Japanese do not develop the phonological ability to distinguish between the "r" and "l" sounds. Americans do not distinguish between the French /y/ and /u/ sounds.

Phonemic awareness is required prior to trying to learn phonics. These relationships as defined as adopted in the No Child Left Behind approach to teaching reading were defined in the What Works Reports and are simply illustrated in the Reading Skills Pyramid.

Adams, M. J, Foorman, B., R.,Lundberg, I., & Beeler, T. (1998). Phonemic awareness in young children: A classroom curriculum. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

• WikEd Phonemic Awareness Page
• Songs for Teaching Children Phonemic Awareness
• Using Phonemic Awareness with ESL Students
• ReadingDoctor Software Literacy Development Software designed by a specialist speech-language pathologist to improve phonological awareness, phonemic awareness and phonics skills in children.

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