Which of the following is a key component of emergent literacy?

Phonological awareness is a vital component of emergent literacy because it refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of spoken language. This foundational skill includes understanding how words can be broken down into smaller units such as syllables or phonemes. Phonological awareness is crucial for reading development, as it helps children understand the relationship between sounds and letters, which is essential for decoding written words.

Building phonological awareness enhances children's ability to rhyme, segment sounds, and blend sounds, all of which support their reading and writing skills as they progress in their literacy journey. Focusing on phonological awareness activities in early childhood education helps prepare children for success in acquiring literacy skills, making it a central aspect of emergent literacy.