Why it matters
- Print awareness helps children understand how reading works (e.g., left to right, words vs. pictures).
- Print awareness builds the bridge between knowing letters and actually reading.
- Early skills reduce later reading difficulties and need for intervention.
- Print awareness supports smoother transition into kindergarten literacy expectations.
What the evidence shows
- Explicit instruction in letter names and sounds improves outcomes across student groups.
- Shared reading is highly effective for teaching how print works.
- Short, consistent lessons (about 30 minutes weekly) lead to strong gains.
- Combining instruction with play increases engagement and retention.
- Small-group and one-on-one instruction are effective, but whole-group also works when done intentionally.
Key instructional practices
- Teach letter names and sounds directly and systematically.
- Use shared reading with intentional focus on print:
- Track print with your finger.
- Point out titles, authors, and features.
- Incorporate multisensory strategies:
- Writing in sand, using objects, practicing sounds aloud.
- Reinforce skills through purposeful play:
- Games, matching activities, and dramatic play tied to letters and sounds.
What to watch for
- Students who can name letters but don’t understand that print is what we read
- Difficulty identifying where to start reading or tracking text
- Limited connection between letters and sounds
- Over-reliance on play without clear instructional goals
Tips by student group
- Multilingual learners
- Provide extra practice connecting sounds to letters.
- Use visuals and real objects to support understanding.
- Pair language development with print instruction.
- Students with disabilities
- Use explicit, structured routines with repetition.
- Incorporate multisensory supports (visual, tactile, auditory).
- Consider small-group or one-on-one instruction for added support.
- At-risk students
- Increase frequency and consistency of instruction.
- Use structured programs with clear routines.
- Monitor progress regularly and adjust instruction as needed.
Classroom takeaway
Strong early literacy instruction combines explicit teaching, shared reading, and purposeful play. When educators intentionally teach how print works, not just expose students to it, children build the foundation they need to become successful readers.
The information provided in this summary is based on findings from Evidence-Based Instructional Practices to Support the Development of Print Awareness and Concepts of Print in Preschool-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.
