Environmental Print Inspires Literacy

“Children who are surrounded by print flourish in literacy development and are often more successful in school. As children observe, read, discuss, and copy the signs and symbols in their world, they become aware that literacy is part of everyone’s daily life. Intentionally capitalizing on children’s familiarity with environmental print to support early writing attempts is one way to promote progress on their journey to becoming independent authors,” writes Rebecca Giles in A Young Writer’s World Giles highlights some of the research on environmental print: Early encounters with environmental print, words, and other graphic symbols found in children’s surroundings are among their first concrete exposures to written language. Children typically read print from their environment before reading print in books. Drawing attention to logos and reading them with children encourages the connection between reading and the real world. Exposure to environmental print introduces children to making meaning of abstract symbols and offers children their first opportunity to make sense of the world through print. Kindergartners’ print awareness increased with the use of environmental print materials. Environmental print can be integrated into learning centers in a variety of ways:

Housekeeping Center Environmental print on community helper clothing provides an opportunity for reading in the housekeeping center.

Block Center Street signs incorporate environmental print into block play while serving as the impetus for stories of a family’s driving adventure or a bus driver’s record of his cross-county trip.

Library/Listening Center Environmental print books—both class-made and commercial—enhance the classroom library collection with recognizable print.

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