What learning process is emphasized by the Elkonin boxes technique?

The Elkonin boxes technique emphasizes phonemic segmentation, which involves breaking down words into their individual phonemes or sounds. This method helps young learners identify the distinct sounds within words by placing a counter or marker in a separate box for each sound they hear. By using this visual-spatial approach, it supports students in understanding the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters, which is crucial for developing foundational literacy skills. Phonemic segmentation is a key skill for decoding words, enabling students to become more proficient readers.

While visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning are important aspects of literacy development, they are not the primary focus of the Elkonin boxes technique. The technique's core purpose is to enhance students' awareness of phonemes, making it a specialized tool for fostering phonemic awareness in early literacy instruction.