The easiest way for your child to learn about directionality of print is by reading together with you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your reading time:
- Sit close with your child as you read together. When you snuggle close with a book, it is easier for your child to observe how you read a book. This physical closeness will help your child associate reading with spending fun time with their favorite person: you!
- Talk about and interact with the book. Point out features of a book: front and back covers. With your finger, trace the title, author and illustrator’s names, and any other interesting information about the book. Show your child the direction we read words in a book – in English that’s from left to right, and from top to bottom.
- Demonstrate how to handle a book. Talk about how to hold a book. When you turn the pages from beginning to end, children will begin to understand that each page has a part of the story. As you read more, they will get a sense of how books share stories with a beginning and an end. As your child gets older, ask them to help turn pages.
- Make sure to read “extra” parts. If the book includes a dedication, read it. If the book includes biographies about the author/illustrator, read it. Reading these parts of a book teaches children that all parts of a book are important.
*Tips adapted from: https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-students-learn-directionality-of-print.html
