What aspect of literacy development is typically emphasized alongside phonemic awareness?

The emphasis on written language skills alongside phonemic awareness stems from the foundational role these two elements play in literacy development. Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds in words, which is crucial for the development of reading skills. As children develop phonemic awareness, they simultaneously begin to acquire written language skills, including understanding letters, spelling, and the mechanics of writing.

These skills work together in the learning process: mastering phonemic awareness assists learners in understanding the connection between spoken sounds and the written representation of those sounds. This integration is essential for becoming proficient readers and writers as it lays the groundwork for further literacy skills, such as decoding words and comprehending texts.

Thus, the strong relationship between phonemic awareness and written language skills highlights their collective importance in a child’s literacy journey.