Which skill does the student demonstrate when trying to decode the word "swing" by suggesting similar sounding words?

The student demonstrates the ability to use graphophonic cues to help analyze and decode the unfamiliar word "swing" by suggesting similar sounding words. This skill involves understanding the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or letter patterns (graphemes) in written words. When a student suggests words that share similar sounds, they are tapping into their knowledge of phonics, which includes recognizing phonetic patterns and applying them to unfamiliar words.

This process is rooted in phonological awareness, and it reflects a fundamental reading strategy where learners draw upon their existing knowledge of sounds to make educated guesses about new words. The focus is on the sounds represented by letters and how they combine to form words, which is precisely what graphophonic cues are about. This skill is crucial for effective decoding, as it enables students to break down complex or new words into manageable sound components for easier pronunciation and comprehension.