TAKE-HOME STRATEGY
Building Print Knowledge at Home
What It's About
Print Knowledge is the understanding that the sounds and language that we hear and say can be written and read as letters and words. And that written words hold meaning or convey messages. Building a strong foundation of what print is and how it works is critical for later success in reading.
You can support this skill by exposing your child to different types of print (like signs, labels, books, magazines) and showing them how you use print (to make lists, write notes, send messages).
Here are some ways you can support Print Knowledge at home. Keep in mind that you can change these activities to work for you and your child based on their current abilities, interests, and what you have available at home. Make sure to use safe materials and watch your child closely during these activities.
Take a look, and try out your favorites!
Send a Thank You Card
Follow the Words
Scavenger Hunt
Letter or Word Search
Name Signs
Letter Songs and Rhymes
Quick Cues for Supporting Print Knowledge
Some things you might do or say to help strengthen your child’s Print Knowledge
Notice and Comment on Print
Comment and point out familiar words on familiar signs or labels.
This can sound like:
“This word says, ‘apples’ and here are pictures of beautiful red, green, and yellow apples!”
“Do you know what this sign says? It says ‘EXIT’ and shows where we can leave the store.”
“See the sign with the picture of the shoe? The word below it says, ‘shoes.’”
Talk About Why Print is Useful
As you come across print in your daily routine (like books, menus, instructions), explain how it is helpful.
This can sound like:
“I love reading this book because it makes me so happy. It tells a story about a mom and a little bear cub!”
“I made a list of all the things I need at the store today so I can remember.”
“I’m not sure how many carrots I need to add to the soup. Let me read the recipe to find out.”
Talk About Letter Names and Sounds
Play letter games, sing letter songs, and talk about letters in everyday activities.
This can sound like:
“Everyone’s name in our family starts with the letter ‘M.’ ‘Maverick,’ ‘Melissa,’ and ‘Mary.’”
“We are looking for the box that says, ‘pasta.’ It starts with a P.”
“Look at the title of this book. I see two uppercase G’s. Can you find them?”
Our Book Recommendations for Print Knowledge
Engaging stories that support children's Print Knowledge
We're Going on a Leaf Hunt
Written by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Miki Sakamato, this book follows children as they look for colorful leaves. The interesting fonts in the book change as the children encounter various leaves and obstacles.
Have fun with it:
While running errands in your community, point out the many colors, sizes, and fonts on the signs you see!
It Looked Like Spilt Milk
Written and illustrated by Charles G. Shaw, this book features white images against a blue background, and is helpful for pointing out how the book is set up and how it is read.
Have fun with it:
Encourage your child to make their own book! As they create, comment on the important parts of books they can include such as a title and illustration on the front cover. Help them write words to go along with their pictures. Ask them to read it to you when they’re finished.
More Take-Home Strategies
We’re creating a library of resources like these so families and other caregivers can quickly and easily promote children’s development at home. Be sure to see all the strategies we have available!