Print Awareness or the Magic of Print
This is an understanding that printed words have meaning, knowing the names of the letters, and knowing the rules of print (that print runs from left to right, top to bottom of the page). Letter knowledge and print awareness include learning that one letter is distinct from another, and that each letter has its own name and its own unique sound. It is important that children know the name of letters and the sound each letter makes. Most children use the letters in their name as the foundation for letter recognition and writing. They develop letter knowledge by reading alphabet books, singing the alphabet song and playing alphabet games. Also look for letters around you in examples of environmental print. Use clay to form letter shapes and show your child how the shapes can be turned into letters (multi sensory play). Use your index finger to follow the words along the page and encourage your child to put his/her hand over or under yours (hand over hand). If the story has a refrain or a chant that your child knows (“Chicka Chicka” or “Wheels on the Bus”), point to the word or line and let your child supply the words so that you are reading the story together. Point out print wherever you go. For example in the grocery store, encourage your child to help find a favourite cereal or cookie brand by reading the print on the box.

The Magic Of General Knowledge
The more your child knows about the world, the easier it is to read. We can provide a great deal of this information by the act of reading itself. For example, pioneer books, race car books, anything that is different from the every day opens up worlds that are inaccessible to children. They also learn by being part of the world and experiencing as many things as possible. Zoos, plays, stores, theatre, parks, all help by expanding their experience in any direction which helps them to better understand how the world works.

Homework Discuss craft - Make “Teddy Bear Teddy Bear Turn Around Book” and assign the number 5 in the child book. See Kit section for template and instructions.

• Child’s Favourite things to Do (Parent Book)
• Hand out the “Environmental Print Street Sign Checklist” (Parent Book)