Which language skill is a prerequisite for reading skills?

Phonological awareness is fundamental as a prerequisite for reading skills because it encompasses the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language. This skill includes identifying syllables, rhymes, and individual phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound. Children who develop strong phonological awareness are better equipped to decode words while reading because they can break words down into their component sounds. This foundational skill allows learners to understand the relationship between sounds and letters, making it easier for them to learn how to read as they progress.

Other options, while they may contribute to literacy development, do not serve the same foundational purpose. Writing letters focuses on the production of letters and words but does not directly enhance the understanding of sounds in language. Reading comprehension is an important skill, but it comes into play after the decoding process has already begun, requiring prior phonological awareness. English grammar relates to sentence structure and language use but is less directly connected to the basic skills needed for reading, particularly at the emergent stage where recognizing and manipulating sounds is essential.