Which author is connected with teaching letter sound associations explicitly, including consonants and short vowels?

• A. Routman, Regie
• B. Adams, Marilyn
• C. Fountas, Irene
• D. Taberski, Sharon

Answer: (B)

Explicit, systematic phonics instruction teaches the direct mapping between letters and sounds, including the basic consonant sounds and short-vowel patterns. Marilyn Adams is a foundational figure in this approach, known for emphasizing explicit teaching of letter-sound correspondences to build decoding skills in beginning readers. That focus is why she fits the item best.

Other authors contribute to literacy in important ways—Routman emphasizes authentic reading and writing workshop practices; Irene Fountas is associated with guided reading; Sharon Taberski focuses on structured literacy within guided instruction and assessment. None are as closely tied to explicitly teaching letter-sound relationships as Adams, which is why she is the most fitting answer.