What is the onset of a syllable?

The onset of a syllable refers specifically to the initial sound or sounds that occur before the vowel in that syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the onset would be the /k/ sound, while the vowel sound is the /æ/. Understanding the onset is crucial in phonemic awareness, as it helps students break down words into their component sounds, enhancing their ability to read and spell. This foundational skill plays a significant role in early literacy development, as it assists children in recognizing patterns in words and understanding how sounds blend together to form syllables.