Every Child Ready to Read: Teaching Print Awareness

During November's storytimes Print Awareness was stressed. Print awareness is knowing how to handle books and noticing print in books and all around us. You are your child's first and most important teacher. You can help teach this important skill at home, too:
*Be silly. Hold the book upside down or sideways and see if your child notices. If not, show him and talk about it.
*When sharing books, point to the words on the page. Run your finger under phrases that repeat.
*Show your child that a book has a cover with a title and an author's name.
*Look at the cover of the book and ask, "What do you think this book will be about?"
*Let your child hold the book and turn the pages as you read.
*Point out and read words in the home and out in the community--such as on grocery lists, signs, labels, menus and so on.
*Write your child's name on pictures she draws. Run your finger under the name as you say it. She will begin to make the connection between the printed and spoken word.
Books that help teach Print Awareness:
*Books with few words, large text and wide margins help your toddler see the words on the page.
*Look for books with great pictures that help tell the story.
*Look for books with simple text that your child can memorize.