Concepts of print, including understanding how to hold a book, knowing how to track print from left to right, and recognizing letters and words on a page, are essential precursors to reading. Supporting young children to develop concepts of print is crucial to their literacy development. Here are some effective strategies for supporting young children to learn concepts of print.
1. Create a Print-Rich Environment
Surround children with print by incorporating books, posters, labels, and signs into their environment. Display books within their reach and rotate them regularly to keep reading material fresh and engaging. Point out and read the labels on everyday items to make connections between the written word and the object.
2. Increase Alphabet Knowledge
Engage in games and activities that help children recognize letters. See this previous blog post for strategies that support alphabet knowledge development: https://blogs.iu.edu/earlyliteracy/2023/09/15/does-alphabet-soup-really-develop-alphabet-knowledge/
3. Read Aloud Regularly
Reading aloud to young children is one of the most powerful ways to introduce them to the concepts of print. Choose diverse, age-appropriate books with colorful illustrations and large print. Point to the words as you read to demonstrate the left-to-right and top-to-bottom progression of text. Encourage children to turn the pages which helps them understand the structure of a book.
3. Engage in Interactive Reading
Engage children in interactive reading experiences by asking open-ended questions about the story, characters, and illustrations. Encourage them to predict what might happen next based on the pictures or the storyline. Prompt them to identify letters or familiar
words within the text. Interactive reading promotes print awareness and enhances comprehension.
4. Encourage Scribbling and Writing
Provide children with a variety of writing instruments such as crayons, markers, pencils, and paper. Encourage them to scribble and draw, even before they can form recognizable letters. This helps them understand that their marks on paper have meaning and can convey
a message which builds a foundation for writing and reading.
6. Accommodate Children’s Preferences
Allow children to choose books that pique their interest (fiction and non-fiction) and read them together.
7. Celebrate Milestones and Progress
And finally, celebrate children’s achievements as they demonstrate their understanding of print concepts. Praise their efforts and progress, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation to learn more.
Supporting young children with special needs to learn concepts of print involves individualized strategies that consider a child’s unique abilities and challenges. Utilize multi-sensory techniques that engage multiple senses, such as touch, sight, and hearing, to reinforce the understanding of print concepts. Provide structured routines and visual aids to assist with sequencing and comprehension and promote understanding of how to navigate text. Be sure to collaborate with parents and specialists to create a supportive environment that nurtures each child’s literacy development.
Lynne Hall, Research Associate, holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction, equity in early childhood education, and inclusive preschool classroom practices.
Email her at hallma@iu.edu
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