The first step to a kindergartner's understanding of print concepts is the realization that oral language can be written down and then read. Once a child understands the connection between written language and speaking aloud, he can pay attention and get a feel for letters and the sounds they represent. One of the easiest ways to show kindergartners the connection between written and oral language is to read aloud to them, having them follow along by tracing your finger across the page.
Once kindergartners understand that written language can be read aloud and dialogue can be written down, they will notice the concepts of sentences and words. The print concept of words is that words are a combination of letters, which represent sounds. Kindergartners learn to put the letter sounds together to say a word. They also learn that sentences are combinations of words that express a thought. As kindergartners become more familiar with the concept of written words, they can piece words together to make simple sentences.
Kindergartners who pay attention to books read to them will watch how sentences are paced and begin to understand the print concept of punctuation. Punctuation directs the flow of sentences and helps to organize them and make them easier to read. Kindergartners see you pause at every comma and period. They realize that the period at the end of the sentence expresses an end to the thought. They also see that quotation marks hold dialogue together.
Kindergartners must understand the print concept that books are meant for reading. This will be easy if you have been reading aloud to them. If they understand the concepts of words, sentences and punctuation, they will understand that they need to read pages from top to bottom and from left to right. They will understand the front and back of a book and how to hold it, as well as how to turn a page. When trying to read a book, they will also realize that pictures illustrate the ideas described in the print.