Print Concepts and Book Handling

What Are Print Concepts?

As young literacy learners have more experiences with print, they may begin to notice several things such as print runs from left to right and top to bottom on a page. They may recognize there is something called words and that there are spaces between words. Even if they are not yet able to read the words by themselves, they begin to recognize that the print is what is telling the story.  

What are Book Handling Skills?

During the "pre-literacy" phase, early learners learn "how books work" such as books have titles, are read from front to back, need to be oriented so they are upside up, and that the pages should be turned one at a time. They also discover that writing is created by a person referred to as the author. Be sure to point out the special qualities of books and print even to the youngest of literacy learners.  

How Can I Support the Development of Print and Book Concepts. Parents and educators can support the development of print concepts and book handling skills by encouraging children to interact with print. During a read aloud, for example, bring attention to the text by pointing to the words as you read. Likewise, invite children to hold the book, turn the pages, point to  what direction to go on each line and what to do at the end of a line of text.  Whenever possible point out print in the environment such as billboards or  product packaging at the store.  Two more great resources are the HELP Activity Guide and LitART a program that connects award-winning books with the arts to promotes literacy development.