Caution! Road Signs Ahead by Concepts about Print
A child understands the nature and uses of printed words and books. Sees parents, teachers, and others reading. Recognizes books and print as a means of communication.
Phonological Awareness
A child understands the concept that words are made up of combinations of small sounds. Books that are comprised of silly words and rhyming sounds promote this.
Letter Knowledge
A child learns the names, shapes, and sounds of letters.
Vocabulary
A child learns the meanings of words, increasing their number of familiar words, including words for objects, shapes, numbers, and colors. A child can further describe their world.
Reading Comprehension
A child understands what is being read. Interact while reading together to ensure comprehension: "What just happened here? How do you think that character feels? Have you ever felt like that? What do you think will happen next?"
Literacy Interest
A child has interest and excitement about books. Books reflect their lives and interests. Sees parents and others reading, books are readily available and reading is a regular activity.
Oral language skills (listening and speaking)
A child gains skills and understanding of words spoken and heard. Read aloud for listening skills, and use participation books and books that include active conversation.
Types of books/stories to interest preschoolers:
Other considerations:
A child understands the nature and uses of printed words and books. Sees parents, teachers, and others reading. Recognizes books and print as a means of communication.
Use board books to give preschoolers the opportunity to experience how a book works. Books where the text connects obviously and directly with the pictures are perfect to teach this skill.
A child understands the concept that words are made up of combinations of small sounds. Books that are comprised of silly words and rhyming sounds promote this.
Dr. Seuss early readers are a great example of this, with repeating sounds over and over.
A child learns the names, shapes, and sounds of letters.
Be sure books have clear depictions of the letters, both lower case and capital.
A child learns the meanings of words, increasing their number of familiar words, including words for objects, shapes, numbers, and colors. A child can further describe their world.
A child understands what is being read. Interact while reading together to ensure comprehension: "What just happened here? How do you think that character feels? Have you ever felt like that? What do you think will happen next?"
A child has interest and excitement about books. Books reflect their lives and interests. Sees parents and others reading, books are readily available and reading is a regular activity.
Use books that are of high interest, such as books with preschool characters or interactive books. Also, books ABOUT books are great for teaching this skill.
A child gains skills and understanding of words spoken and heard. Read aloud for listening skills, and use participation books and books that include active conversation.
Use wordless books to promote a child's storytelling skills.
