What is an essential factor for a child to begin learning to read according to the Reading Readiness Model?

A readiness to learn how to read is an essential factor according to the Reading Readiness Model because it emphasizes the importance of a child's developmental stage and their intrinsic motivation to embark on the learning process. This readiness encompasses various cognitive and emotional aspects, including phonemic awareness, interest in books, and the ability to recognize that written words hold meaning. When children are eager and prepared to engage with reading materials, they are more likely to succeed in acquiring literacy skills.

The other options, while they may influence a child's learning experience, do not directly align with the foundational idea of readiness in the Reading Readiness Model. Exposure to digital media might support literacy development but is not as crucial as the child's readiness itself. Similarly, formal education experience is beneficial but not a prerequisite; many children can learn to read outside formal settings. The ability to speak multiple languages can enhance literacy skills, especially in a multilingual context, but it does not necessarily correlate with a child's readiness to learn to read in a specific language.