Label objects in the classroom to help students relate objects to printed words. Young children often have difficulty understanding that printed words correspond to spoken words and meanings, according to the Department of Education. Make laminated labels for common items like the bookshelf, blackboard and computer. Place name tags on student desks and cubbies. When using labeled items, point to the printed word as you say the name to help students make this connection.
Provide your students with a variety of reading materials. Include comic books, magazines and books at varying levels, from picture books to encyclopedias. Ask your students about their interests and then find texts to support those interests. Make the reading corner an attractive area to visit by providing comfortable chairs, beanbags and lamps with soft lighting. A corner away from the action of the rest of the classroom often works best to encourage silent reading.
Decorate your classroom with printed materials. Word walls or bulletin boards with words listed for students to reference are one option. Often the words listed are "sight words," or words that students should memorize. Teachers may also use the word wall to display newly learned words, words that begin with a certain letter or rhyming words. Teachers can add to the word wall throughout the year or change the words on the wall regularly. Posters and calendars are also options.
Provide printed materials as toys for students to play with. The United States Department of Education suggests providing students with printed items to use in dramatic play. Ideas suggested include food containers with printed information, cards, menus from restaurants, envelopes and fake money. Cookbooks, brochures and programs from special events are also excellent choices to enhance your students' dramatic play.
Encourage students to create language. The Department of Education suggests providing students with a writing center. Include plenty of paper, pencils, pens and markers. Provide both lined and unlined paper to encourage creativity, as well as large pieces of paper for group writing. Display student writing in the classroom.
Read aloud to students every day. Reading just one chapter of a book per day will keep students interested in the story and encourage them to read the book on their own. Series books are always a good choice; children who enjoy the first book might decide to continue with the series.
Provide a variety of options for students to read and hear language. In addition to reading aloud, children also enjoy listening to books on tape and following along with the speaker. Many school libraries carry tape or CD players with headphones and books on tape that accompany a print copy of the book. Set up a listening station in your classroom, and rotate choices frequently.