Which of the following is a key element in developing strong reading abilities?

Phonological awareness is a crucial element in developing strong reading abilities. It refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound structures of language, which includes skills such as recognizing rhymes, counting syllables, and blending or segmenting sounds. When children develop phonological awareness, they gain essential skills that help them decode words, understand the relationship between sounds and letters, and ultimately contribute to reading fluency and comprehension.

A strong foundation in phonological awareness can also support literacy development by enhancing children's ability to hear and play with the individual sounds in words. This skill is often a predictor of later reading success, making it a fundamental component of effective early literacy instruction.

While a high vocabulary, effective storytelling, and grammar proficiency are important aspects of language development and contribute to overall literacy, they often rely on the foundational skills provided by phonological awareness. Without this foundational skill, it can be more difficult for children to develop the decoding skills necessary for reading success.