Question

what does the word phonics mean?
learning the sounds of the letters of the alphabet
learning to count the number of syllables in a word
learning to draw the shapes of the letters of the alphabet

Explanation:

Phonics is a method that focuses on teaching the relationship between letters and their sounds. The first option "learning the sounds of the letters of the alphabet" directly aligns with the core concept of phonics. Counting syllables (second option) is more about syllabication and not the essence of phonics. Drawing letter shapes (third option) is related to handwriting and not phonics.

Answer:

learning the sounds of the letters of the alphabet