How to Develop Print Awareness

Your child knows how to hold a book correctly. If you hand your child a book upside down, he will turn it right side up before looking through it.

Your child understands that books are read from front to back and from left to right and knows how to turn the pages in the correct direction.

Your child pretends to write by scribbling or writing marks on paper. He understands that the “words” he is writing communicate meaning.

Your child points to text and asks what it says. He has become curious about the meaning of the printed text he sees all around him.

Your child picks up a familiar book and “reads” it aloud. He understands that the printed words are connected to the story.

Teach the Alphabet

Teach your child to recognize the letters of the alphabet through the activities in this blog post. You’ll find ABC Playdough Mats, ABC Bracelets, Tactile Letter Cards, and more.

Tell a Story

Have your child tell you a story. If your child needs a prompt, wordless picture books are great for this! Write it down on paper for her to illustrate.

Make a Sign

Help your child create signs for the doors in the house, such as “Welcome to Lexi’s room,” “Bathroom,” “Mom and Dad’s Room,” or “The Kitchen Is Open.”

Read the Mail

When the mail is delivered each day, have your child help you sort it according to which family member’s name is on the label. If interesting cards, ads, or magazines arrive, read parts of them aloud.

Read Aloud

Read lots of picture books aloud to your child. Read reviews of fantastic picture books to share together, or download our extensive list. As you read to your child:

• Mention the parts of a book as you read. “Look at this cover! This book must be about elephants!” “The End…that’s the last page of the book.”
• Have your child help you turn the pages.
• Model that we read from left to right by occasionally running your finger under the text as you read.
• Ask your child to point to the first word on the page.
• Occasionally point out periods and exclamation points.