Which three areas are crucial for emergent literacy skills linked to later reading achievement?

The importance of oral language, print knowledge, and phonological awareness in supporting emergent literacy skills is well-established in educational research. Oral language is foundational as it enhances vocabulary development and the ability to compose sentences, which are vital for reading comprehension. Early exposure to print knowledge helps children understand the concept of print, including recognizing letters, understanding that print carries meaning, and developing basic book-handling skills. Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in language, which is critical for decoding words during reading. Together, these areas provide a comprehensive base upon which children can build their reading proficiency, proving essential for later academic success.

The other options highlight important skills but do not directly link to emergent literacy in the same critical manner. Math skills and artistic expression, for instance, can support cognitive and creative development but do not specifically address reading readiness. Listening, speaking, and writing skills are beneficial components of communication, but they do not encompass the specific foundational skills necessary for reading. Finally, while visual literacy, technology use, and critical thinking are important in modern education, they are not fundamental to the early stages of literacy development.