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Parents or teachers should care about consonants for children ages 4-7 because these foundational sounds are key building blocks in early literacy development. During this critical period, children are starting to explore the world of reading and writing, and understanding consonants is crucial for them to form words accurately. Consonants make up a significant portion of the alphabet and are essential for children to pronounce words correctly, thereby aiding in their overall communication skills.
Learning consonants contributes to phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. This skill is a strong predictor of future reading success. By mastering consonant sounds, children can blend these with vowels to read and spell simple words, laying the groundwork for more complex language acquisition.
Moreover, clear speech and accurate listening skills are reinforced as children practice consonants. Participation in activities that emphasize consonant sounds can also enhance a child’s listening skills and concentration, further supporting cognitive development. By emphasizing the importance of consonants, parents and teachers pave the way for lifelong literacy and learning, ensuring children have the skills they need to excel academically and communicate effectively in everyday life.