TEACHING PHONOLOGICAL COMPETENCE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNERS

Phonological competence is vital in developing literacy skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, and language development. While often associated with early childhood education, middle school students also benefit from continued phonological awareness instruction, especially those with reading challenges or learning disabilities. This article reviews strategies for teaching phonological competence to middle school students, emphasizing explicit instruction, interactive activities, and personalized interventions. Findings suggest that integrating phonological awareness into various subjects, using technology, and offering individualized support can enhance phonological skills and literacy outcomes for this age group.