Concepts of print are all the things about books that precede the words such as the cover, the spine, the back, and the pictures that represent its ideas. Children need to know what a book's cover is before they can read and understand it, because knowing what it is and how it is handled will aid them in understanding its message. Understanding that pictures represent words will help them navigate print when they're ready to decode it. Concepts about print are important reading skills that can begin in the home by simply handling and becoming familiar with books.
Just after students finish watching their favorite movie or television show is an ideal time to exercise comprehension skills. Begin by talking to them about the film's or show's main idea and asking questions around the five W's: who, what, when, where, why and how. Ask questions like what their favorite action scene was, or favorite part; what happened, who was involved, where did it happen, why, and how might it continue. These questions will get kids used to thinking comprehensively, and they will be better equipped to comprehend information when they begin to learn to decode print.
Environmental print is all around us -- in the grocery store, at the toy store and on the highway. As children notice environmental print, they're introduced to sight words. Pointing out signs to children to introduce them to sight words like "Stop" and "Follow" and "Sale" reinforces this important skill while teaching them new words. Continued reinforcement can begin by asking them to name the signs; before you know it, your children will be pointing them out proudly on their own. Reading environmental print is an early reading skill that reinforces a sight word, identification skills and a high-frequency vocabulary word base.
Labeling single-syllable items in the home such as a chair, a doll, a book and a shelf can aid children in transitioning from the spoken word to the written. As they see the words that represent the things they know and can name, they're developing an important sight-word vocabulary. Begin by labeling their bedroom and favorite toys, items and even treats in the cupboard.