How to start teaching concepts about print to young children...
There are a few important concepts about print ideas that young children need to learn. The most basic ones are some that even very young children can come to understand.
1.
Understanding that written language is special--it conveys meaning.
- Share books together
- Point out printed language in various places and explain its purpose (ie, signs in the store).
- Engage the child in experiences that use printed language, such as creating a letter for someone.
- Involve the child in reading that you do for real purposes throughout the day. For example, recipes, instructions, email, maps, etc.
2. Understanding the idea that I (the child) can communicate with written language by myself.
- Encourage attempts at pretend reading and pretend writing.
- Provide materials for the child to read or write along with you, for example, let them make a shopping list along with you.
3. Awareness that print is all around us.
- Point out labels for things, in places like the grocery store.
- Briefly show the child which part of the book you are reading (compared to the picture that you can look at).
- Help the child notice known letters, such as the first letter in his or her name, in print all around.
- Together point out signs of familiar places or labels of familiar products. (Even very young children can start to pick out the labels of their favorite food.)
Concepts about print skills for young babies:
- Read books together often, in short frequent sessions.
- Provide books for your baby to handle herself. Board books are great for this.
- Click here for some great ideas for baby books.
To see all of the skills in the awareness and exploration stage, click on the links below:
Letters and Sounds
Sight Words
Beginning Writing
Vocabulary and Oral Language
Phonological Awareness
