Environmental Print for Preschoolers: Signs with Real Meaning

Environmental print for preschoolers includes words and symbols used in everyday places: labels, signs and familiar packaging. Start with print that has a real purpose in your child's day. Ask what the sign helps people do rather than treating every logo as a reading achievement.

Notice print in context

A shelf label tells us where books belong. A sign may identify an entrance. Describe the purpose and point to the actual words when appropriate. Keep safety first during outings; stop somewhere suitable before exploring a sign.

Choose readable examples rather than stylized lettering that is difficult to interpret.

Make a useful home sign

• Label a book basket together.
• Create a name sign for a child's drawing space.
• Add a pretend open or closed sign to a play shop.
• Write a message the child wants another person to see.

Let the child draw, dictate or make marks while the adult adds conventional writing if wanted.

Distinguish familiar symbols from decoding

A child may identify a package by its color and picture before recognizing its letters. Celebrate the useful observation without assuming they can read the word in a different setting.

Ask teachers how classroom labels are used during real tasks. Print is more meaningful when someone refers to it, not simply when every surface is covered.

Should everything in the home be labeled?

No. A few useful, readable labels can be more manageable than visual clutter.

Can we use more than one language?

Yes, when the labels are meaningful for your family. Keep spelling and language information accurate and invite the child to ask about differences.

For more about the age-based classroom, explore the Children’s Land preschool program and find a Chicagoland location. Bring your child’s interests and questions to a conversation about current routines and learning experiences.

Related reading: Encouraging Early Reading Skills in Preschoolers.