Introduction
Children learn best through what they know and feel comfortable with. Using familiar labels and signs allows your child to have success in acquiring the skills necessary to learn to read.
Tools and Materials
Computer printer paper
Steps to take
Steps detailed below
At Home
If you have more time
- Read to your child, point to the words on the page as you read them. Label some of your child's belongings with the word for that item (write ball on a ball). Play a game by traveling around the house with sticky notes and having your child point to items as you label them. Leave the notes up for your child to read later.
On the Go
If you have more time
- Play "I-Spy" for familiar labels and signs. Have your child spot EXIT signs, look for elevator and restroom signs in new buildings.
- Have your child find popular character books in the library. Say to your child, "Let's go on a Clifford Hunt" (Dora, Diego, Franklin, Mickey, Princess, Handy Manny, Thomas).
- Have a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for signs and labels outside. Use a card with familiar signs (stop, traffic light, one way, children crossing, walk, don't walk, railroad crossing, women, men, deer or animal crossing, park, yield, speed limit or any other signs in your area).
Words to Know
Labels Speed Limit Exit Walk Stop Read Alphabet Uppercase Lowercase
Possible Observations
Recognizes familiar words on signs and containers; names some letters