Print Motivation is a child’s interest in and enjoyment of books and reading.
- Read with voice inflection and excitement
- Let your child choose books to read
- Read every day.
Print Awareness includes know that print has meaning, knowing how to handle a books, being able to follow the words on a page, and noticing print all around.
- Run your fingers under the words as you read
- Call attention to signs and print on the road, at the store, in restaurants
- Write messages to your children to show that print is useful and carries meaning.
Letter Knowledge is knowing that the same letter can look different, that letters has a name and makes sound(s).
- Write your child’s name often, spelling each letter out as you go along
- Encourage your child to make letters with clay or in sand
- Sing the alphabet song together
Vocabulary is knowing the names of things.
- Read different types of books; books are rich in vocabulary that may not be used in regular conversation
- Ask lots of questions when you talk and read with your child
- Talk, talk, talk to your child
Narrative Skills is the ability to describe things, sequence events, and tell stories.
- Narrate your life activities as you go through your day and ask your child to describe what she/he is doing as well
- Encourage prediction
- Act out simple stories
Phonological Awareness is the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.
- Sing songs, repeat rhymes, and play rhyming word games — have fun with silly words
- Read rhyming books
- Say tongue twisters together
