Which skill typically develops before children learn to read?

Phonological awareness is the correct answer because it is a foundational skill that develops in early childhood, usually before children begin to learn to read. This skill involves the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language, such as identifying rhymes, counting syllables, and blending sounds together. Phonological awareness is critical for learning to decode words and understand the relationship between sounds and letters.

As children develop this awareness, they become better prepared to tackle the complexities of reading, because they can segment and blend sounds to form words. This skill lays the groundwork for reading success, making it essential for educators to focus on phonological activities in preschool settings to enhance children's readiness for literacy.

While writing, mathematical reasoning, and spelling are important skills that emerge as children grow, they are typically developed after children have begun to acquire phonological awareness, as they require more advanced cognitive and motor skills.