Take-Home - Print Knowledge - ECE Resource Hub

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

Have your child draw a picture to thank a family member or friend. Talk about the use of print as you prepare to send it. For example, “I am going to write their name here, so the post office knows who it is for.”

Follow the Words

While reading books, point out the words, or comment on how print is organized. For example, show them that English words are read from left to right. You could say, “We are going to start reading here and read the words this way.”

Scavenger Hunt

Write a list of items to find with your child. Talk about how the list helps you remember what to look for. For example, “I am writing ‘two leaves.’ This way we know that we need to find two leaves on our walk.”

Letter or Word Search

While putting away groceries, give your child a letter or word to find. Give them clues about where to look. For example, “Look for the letter ‘B’. I see a can with the letter ‘B’ for beans. Can you find it?”

Name Signs

Decorate a sign for each family member and then write out their name on the sign. Point out that letters made that person’s name. For example, “We wrote N-a-n-a. That says, ‘Nana’.”

Letter Songs and Rhymes

Sing songs and rhymes about letters with your child. These can be songs you know or ones you make up. For example, “Letter F is really neat. It says fff like in ffff-ish or ffff-eet.”

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!