Concepts+of+Print

=Concepts of Print =


 * Definition:** //Concepts of Print is an awareness of how print works and how it looks. Print is made up of letters, the letters correspond to sounds and words, and text is read from left to right across the page.// [|(Source)]

[|(Source)]
 * Examples of Concepts of Print:**
 * //What print is read from left to right//
 * //What a letter is//
 * //What a word is//
 * //What a sentence is//
 * //That there are spaces// //between words//
 * //The function of capital// //letters and punctuation// //marks//
 * //That oral language can be// //written and then read//

([|Source])
 * Visual Aid:** The web below can be used as a tool to help teachers understand the concepts of print. Please note that the text provided in this visual aid will be too challenging for a child learning the concepts of print to read. A teacher will need to explain these concepts in terms the child will understand.


 * Articles and Information About Concepts of Print:**
 * [|“Lay the Groundwork for Reading, with Concepts About Print” by Lawren Allphin]
 * [|“Concepts of Print: The Oft Assumed or Seldom Assessed or Taught Key to Early Reading Growth” PowerPoint from the Utah State University’s Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services]
 * [|“Understanding Literacy Development in Young Children” by adoption.com]
 * [|“Concepts About Print” by A. Bishop]
 * [|"Concepts About Print" from the California Preschool Instructional Network] (also includes helpful pdf files)


 * Print-rich Environment to Enhance Concepts of Print:** //A print-rich environment refers to classroom displays of written language -- both teacher-made, student-generated, and published materials -- like books, charts, students' work journals, and stories. A print rich-environment helps students acquire **concepts about print** as they learn how print is used. Students can "read the room." For example, the calendar, lunch menu, list of classroom jobs, or the morning message all emphasize that print carries meaning. Students can refer to print displays to help their reading and spelling. (Adapted from Ready for RICA, pp. 27-28)// ([|Source])


 * Differentiation for Children with Disabilities:** //The connection between oral and written language will need more attention and need to be a more deliberate individualized approach.// Ways to do this include:
 * //Short, concrete experiences will be helpful.//
 * //More explicit instruction may be required.//
 * //Extended modeling may be needed so the// //child can make the connection between what// //is spoken and what is written down//. ([|Source])


 * Lesson Plans:**
 * [|"Teach Children to Care for Books: Concept of Print" by Laurie Patsalides]: Lesson begins with the reading of "I Love My Little Storybook" by Anita Jeram. Teacher teaches mini-lesson on basic concepts of print including the cover page, title, author, directionality, and proper handling of the book. Teacher then models these concepts and allows students to practice.
 * [|"Shared Poetry Reading: Teaching Print Concepts, Rhyme, and Vocabulary" by Bethany L.W. Hankinson]: Teacher uses the poem "kittens", which will be previously shown to the class to teach directionality. A student will be asked to show where the poem begins and read the poem while following the words with a pointing device.


 * Assessment Tools:**
 * Click [|here] for an assessment tool
 * Here is a helpful [|checklist] for assessments

Title: Concepts About Print Author: Marie M. Clay ISBN: 0325002371 [|Source]
 * Text Resources For Teachers**: This is a great book to have in your library as a teacher. It not only explains the process, but it also gives great ideas to help children and teachers.

 Title: Building Blocks for Beginning Readers: Helping Young Learners Develop Concepts of Print Author: Beth Barber ISBN: 159198226X [|Source]


 * Video Resources For Teachers:** These videos will help teachers understand how to teach the concepts of print. They include tips and techniques for not only educators, but parents as well.
 * [|Youtube Video One]
 * [|Youtube Video Two]


 * Family Activities For Parents:**
 * //Bring your children to the grocery store with you. Before going, have them help you dictate the grocery list to you and watch you as you write the words. Say the words out loud as you write them. When you get to the grocery store, read your list out-loud as you point to the words and point to the corresponding words on the products you are buying. This activity will help children understand the practical use of print in action. They will see that you write left to right just like you read left to right also.//
 * //Make a book with your children. Very young children might like a book of familiar photographs with labels under each photo that a family member can read to him or her. Older children might like to illustrate the book by themselves. You could write the words as the children dictate the story. Then you and your children could read the book together, pointing to the words as you read.//
 * //Take your children to a restaurant. Show them the menu and whatever pictures may be on the menu. Read the menu to your children pointing to the words as you do. Let them help choose what to eat and have them point to it if they can remember which one it is. This activity will also help children realize how we use print in real life.//
 * //Read to your children! The number one thing you can do for your children to help them learn concepts about print is to read to them everyday. A bedtime story is an excellent opportunity to read to your children. Make sure the book is interesting to your children. Ask them to predict what will happen in the book and guide their fingers along the words.// ([|source])