Print is All Around Us

Pixabay image

Environmental print is what all the words, letters, and numbers that surround us in daily life are called. From street signs to cereal boxes, there are abundant sources of environmental print for emerging readers to use. Parents and other caregivers can foster a child's awareness of and interest in recognizing them in a multitude of ways because print awareness and letter knowledge are key components of early literacy. Two short articles that offer tips and ideas for using environmental print to support emergent literacy and struggling readers are linked below:

Environmental Print by Reading Rockets
and
Helping Struggling Readers with Environmental Print by John Funk, Educator and Teacher Trainer

The YSS Early Literacy Calendar (available HERE) is another excellent resource full of tips expressly for increasing early literacy activities in fun ways as children and their caregivers go about their days. This free resource is a project of the Youth Services Section of the Wisconsin Library Association.

Magnet Boards Move In

Menomonie Public Library's children's desk has an inviting new feature: a magnet board! Jodi Bird, children's librarian, says they plan to switch out magnets every once in a while. A lack of wall space (Menomonie Public Library is mostly windows) did not deter the children's staff. This magnet board is a (ahem) magnet for kids, and makes the desk even friendlier and more appealing.

What's even better is this is just sheet metal, purchased from a local guy for $27. Not breaking the bank, but sure making the library more fun, and supporting literacy to boot.