Which two physical abilities are identified as influencing learning to read?

Vision and hearing are critical physical abilities that significantly influence the process of learning to read.

Vision is essential for recognizing letters, words, and the overall layout of written text. A child needs to be able to see clearly to differentiate between similar shapes and letters, which is foundational for decoding words. Recognition of visual stimuli helps learners to process visual information effectively, contributing to reading fluency and comprehension.

Hearing is equally important, as it plays a crucial role in phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This skill is vital for distinguishing sounds in language and linking them to their corresponding letters or combinations in written form. A strong auditory capability allows children to understand the phonetic structure of words, facilitating successful reading.

Together, these two abilities form the bedrock upon which early reading skills are built, allowing children to interpret written language and improve their literacy skills.