Before children learn to read, they must develop what educators call "print awareness," the set of skills that includes identifying the front and back of a book; differentiating letters and numbers; and understanding that books are read from left to right, says UAB researcher Kay Emfinger, Ph.D., Ready to Learn Preschool Preparation Project director.
During a recent focus group, preschool teachers did not list print awareness as a necessary skill for kindergarten success. The reason: kindergarten teachers must have bachelor's degrees, and specialized literacy training but preschool teachers generally do not. Print awareness can be enhanced at school and at home.
"When reading to your child, identify the book's features such as the title and author; draw the child's attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, punctuation and other print; point to the words as you read."
Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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