How does print awareness contribute to early reading skills?

Print awareness is fundamental in developing early reading skills because it encompasses the understanding of how print functions. This includes recognizing that print carries meaning, knowing how to handle a book (such as turning pages from left to right), and understanding the organization of text, such as identifying letters, words, and punctuation. By grasping these basic concepts of print, children are better prepared to decode words, comprehend text, and eventually develop more advanced reading strategies.

The understanding of how print works serves as a foundation for all subsequent literacy skills. When children are aware of print, they can begin to connect spoken language to written language, which is essential for reading development. This early exposure and understanding encourage children to engage with text, cultivate enthusiasm for reading, and reinforce the connection between their spoken vocabulary and written words.