Early literacy skills are foundational abilities that help children begin to read and write effectively.  These skills encompass five key components of reading:

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1. Phonological Awareness: the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in sentences and words

2. Phonics: understanding the relationship between letters and sounds

3. Fluency: the ability to read smoothly and quickly

4. Vocabulary:  the understanding of words and their meanings

5. Comprehension: the ability to understand and interpret what is read

 

Fostering these skills sets the groundwork for successful reading development and lifelong literacy. Although these skills are often associated with grades kindergarten - third grade, improvement in these areas can significantly improve a student’s reading ability across grade levels/age groups.