What must special needs students understand to comprehend phonemic awareness?

Phonemic awareness is crucial for developing reading skills, and for special needs students, an understanding of the utility and function of oral written language plays a significant role in this process. This concept encompasses recognizing the sounds that letters represent and understanding how these sounds come together to form words and convey meaning. Having a grasp of oral written language helps students acknowledge that spoken words can be represented in writing, which is a foundational aspect of reading.

Understanding oral written language allows students to see the connection between listening to sounds and phonemes and their representation in written form. This recognition is essential for enhancing their decoding skills and overall reading comprehension. Additionally, it supports the development of vocabulary and language skills, which are fundamental in a child's literacy journey.

While the other options touch on important aspects of learning and communication, they do not directly relate to the specific understanding required for phonemic awareness as effectively as the concept of oral written language does.