Elkonin boxes are primarily used to build what type of skills?

Elkonin boxes are an effective tool designed to enhance phonological awareness, particularly in early literacy instruction. They help learners segment sounds in words, which is critical for understanding how phonemes combine to form words. Each box represents a single phoneme, allowing students to visually and physically manipulate sounds as they break words down into their individual components. This hands-on approach reinforces the connection between spoken language and written text, aiding in the development of skills necessary for reading and spelling.

The focus on phonological awareness is essential in early childhood education, as it lays the groundwork for later literacy skills by enabling children to recognize and manipulate the sounds within words. This targeted practice supports their ability to decode words and ultimately fosters their reading development.