ABSTRACT
It can be claimed that the evolution of mankind from barbarism to civilization was the result of literacy. Thus, a major step in the development of human culture and society was the invention of a system for external representation of the sounds of human language giving us a cognitive tool, the art of reading and writing, with the most profound impact on society and human cognitive functioning. However, the acquisition of reading and writing does not come naturally in childhood in the same way as skills such as talking and walking. Reading and writing are, in fact, rather unnatural acts, and some children have great difficulties learning these important skills. Poor mastery of literacy skills in society has serious future consequences and puts the child in a risky future situation. Therefore, in order to take proper preventive and remedial measures, it is of critical importance to understand the conditions and prerequisites for learning to read and write and identify the major obstacles for children at risk.
