Which of the following best describes phonemic awareness?

Phonemic awareness refers specifically to the ability to hear and manipulate the individual sounds, or phonemes, in spoken words. This skill is foundational for developing reading and spelling abilities because it allows individuals to break down words into their component sounds, enabling them to recognize patterns and make connections between sounds and letters when they begin learning to read. It is distinct from related skills such as phonological awareness, which includes awareness of larger units of sound like syllables, and it does not include writing skills, comprehension, or fluency in reading. Thus, recognizing and manipulating these individual sounds is crucial for acquiring literacy skills.