Which statement best describes the development of reading and writing in relation to symbolic thought?

• A. Reading and writing are unrelated to symbolic thought
• B. Symbolic thought hinders reading development
• C. Symbolic thought can lead to reading and writing abilities
• D. Reading and writing develop independently of symbolic thought

Answer: (C)

Symbolic thought is the ability to use symbols to represent objects, actions, and ideas, and that foundation is essential for literacy. Reading requires mapping written symbols (letters) to sounds and meanings, a process that relies on recognizing that symbols can stand for something else. Writing builds on the same idea, using symbols to represent language itself. As children grow in symbolic thinking, they gain the ability to see that a sequence of symbols can convey specific words and meanings, which directly enables both reading and writing. So, symbolic thought can lead to reading and writing abilities because literacy is built on using symbols to represent language. The other statements miss this link: reading and writing are not unrelated to symbolic thinking, they aren’t hindered by it, and they don’t develop independently of symbol use.