Print awareness is understanding that text is organized in a particular fashion. Knowing that text is meant to be read top to bottom and left to right is an example of print awareness. As a parent or a teacher, there are ways to help reinforce this concept with young children.
1. Book Format
Familiarize your young learner with the structure of a book. This includes knowing where the title of the book is, identifying page numbers, decoding from left to right, and understanding how graphics can support the text.
2. Print Play
Even if your child doesn't know how to read or spell, they can practice "print play". Your child can create grocery lists, birthday cards, etc. to imitate the task. These activities help them apply print themselves as well as reinforces the relationship between spoken to written language.
3. Labeling Everyday Items
Having labels on everyday items can help reinforce print awareness. They will begin to realize that every object has a printed-out word that represents it.
4. Calendars
Learning "time" can be challenging, especially for young learners. Going through the format of a calendar with your child not only helps them understand the concept of time more, but also helps them practice print awareness. Have your child practice locating the name of the month and understanding what the numbers represent.
Written by Madison Dwyer