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(Unit 2) Topic 8: Promoting Early Literacy

3 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

The Importance of Print

​Topic 8 Page 5

Crucial to reaching the goal of comprehension is learning how print works. 

​Opportunities to interact with books are key if children are to learn how to handle a book (opening and closing it and turning the pages), orient it (right side up), and follow the directionality of print (in English, left to right and top to bottom). Furthermore, when text experiences are focused on their interests, children discover that print carries meaning and that it is used for a variety of purposes.  

​Children begin to develop concepts about print when they are read to, observe an adult write a list or send an e-mail or text message, see their names displayed on a lunch bag or cubby, watch their thoughts being recorded on a poster or typed into a computer, and see others use print in a variety of ways. Adults who engage children with print by doing things such as sharing books, pointing to print, commenting about print in the environment, and otherwise actively and deliberately drawing children’s attention to print and who visibly engage with print are supporting the development of children’s concepts about print.

Some ideas for supporting print concepts:

Read everyday!

It may seem simple but daily exposure to books and other printed materials will support a strong foundation in early literacy. Read to children of all ages, allow them to explore books, magazines, and other materials, and give them diverse reading materials. Even infants can explore a board book or soft book and will benefit from that exposure.

Model!

Model proper use of books and printed materials. Let children see you holding a book the proper way, reading from left to right, turning pages gently, etc. When reading aloud to children put extra emphasis on these habits even for the youngest readers!

Play Games!

I-Spy or scavenger hunt types of games are great opportunities for children to recognize print concepts outside of books. Logos, signs, titles, and more are things that are always surrounding us. Point them out and encourage children to make connections between printed things. They will begin recognizing different letter formations, uses, and other attributes.

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