ECRR Concept of the Week (9-20-07)

Print Awareness is knowing the names of things. There are many ways that children can become more aware of print because the printed word is everywhere. When you are reading to your child, follow along with your finger. And when you are reading to yourself let your child see you follow along with your finger. Point out signs such as STOP, EXIT, or ENTER. Write their name in big letters on a piece of construction paper. Trace their finger over the letters while slowly reading it. There are so many ways to bring awareness to the written word. Making your child familiar with printed language will only make them more comfortable with books. And it will give them an understanding of the importance of print.-Amy Dawson, Youth Services Librarian, Catawba County Library System