Integrating Environmental Print Across the Curriculum, PreK-3
Making Literacy Instruction Meaningful
- Lynn Kirkland
- Jerry Aldridge
- Patricia Kuby - Athens State University
From billboards to lunch boxes, environmental print offers a powerful springboard to literacy!
While learning to read and write takes time, there are effective ways to tap into what children already know and to use that information to jump start the literacy process. One way is through environmental print (EP), the print that surrounds children in their daily lives.
Integrating Environmental Print Across the Curriculum, PreK–3, provides a wealth of activities that build literacy skills during time devoted to language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and dramatic play. Highlighting research from the National Reading Panel, the authors demonstrate that by activating prior knowledge and creating opportunities for authentic learning, EP is an effective tool in developing the early literacy skills of all children, including English language learners and those at risk for, or identified with, special needs. Each activity specifies grade range, materials, and instructions to help you:
- Meet the goals of Early Reading First and Reading First
- Assess children's ability levels in performing the activity
- Strengthen concepts with related literature and songs
- Communicate ways that parents can use EP with their children
This friendly, research-based book is designed to assist you in creating an environmental print program that promotes the development of strong literacy skills for every child!
"Having children bring in environmental print items with which they have had experiences gives them a feeling of ownership in learning to read. They share their experiences and these experiences, in turn, have a profound effect on their literacy development."
"With built-in performance ratings per activity, teachers will find this a key to meeting reading goals and assessing and strengthening a child's ability levels."
