Learning to read starts with an awareness of Concepts of Print, and parents can help their child develop these understandings from a very early age. Concepts of Print are the basic components that underpin how text works. Some of these concepts include:
- Words are made up of letters
- Letters can be presented in uppercase and lowercase
- Words are read in a particular direction (From left to right and from top to bottom)
- Letters and words have structure (Beginning/First, Middle, End/Last)
- Punctuation is used to organise words
- Print carries a message
One way to help children develop this awareness is to read to them regularly, and from an early age. Another more formal approach is to expose children to environmental print: the letters, numbers, symbols and words that exist in the world around us.
Print Explorers is a game I like to play with children to help them take notice of environmental print. It can be adapted for children of all ages and developmental stages. Children don’t need to be able to read or even identify letters of the alphabet to play Print Explorers, but they will soon begin to understand that print is made up of letters, numbers and symbols, and that print provides information (e.g. instructions, directions or location).
More info on how to play Print Explorers can be found in Play Grow Learn: Adventures for Pint-Sized Explorers.
In fact, this latest issue of Play Grow Learn is filled with adventure ideas for pint-sized explorers. Some of my favourite ideas and articles include:
- How to build character with your children
- How to make a mini accordion journal from a cereal box
- How to make your own seed tape
- How to play number soccer
- How to play with chalk paint
- Sensory play ideas
- Understanding toddlers
- 6 books for pint sized explorers
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