STOP and Read!
Introduction
Did you know your child is already a "reader" before they even know the ABCs? They are! They recognize the Target bullseye, the "STOP" sign at the end of your street, or the logo on their favorite cereal box. This type of learning is called Environmental Print, and it's one of the best and easiest ways to build a strong foundation for reading. It connects letters and symbols to things they care about, making learning real andfun! Children are surrounded by print everywhere — on street signs, food labels, and company logos. Noticing and talking about these words and symbols helps kids develop early print awareness, a key foundation for learning to read. When children engage with print they see every day,they begin to understand that letters and words carry meaning, and they get a chance to practice recognizing letters in a fun, low-pressure way.
These activities invite families to turn everyday print into playful, meaningful learning moments!
Gather Materials
No special materials needed, use what is around you!
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
"I Spy"
- Spot the Words and Symbols: Point out street signs, store names, cereal boxes, or food labels.
- Talk About It: Say, “Look, there’s McDonald’s! M for McDonald’s!”
- Connect to Meaning: “The STOP sign tells us to stop.”
- Spot Letters: Ask, “Can you find the letter O in STOP?”
Everyday Print Hunt
- Use What’s Around You: Look at labels, packaging, magazines, newspapers, or receipts.
- Read Together: Ask your child to point to letters or words they recognize.
- Make Connections: Say the first letter and sound. “C! /k/ for Cheerios.”
- Find More: Can they spot another word that starts with the same letter?
Build a “My Favorite Words” Collection
- Collect Words Naturally: Let your child point out words or logos from around the house — mail, cereal boxes, fridge magnets, or street signs on walks.
- Talk About Them: Ask your child what the word/logo says and what it means.
- Read Together: Have your child point to words/logos and “read” them aloud.
- Left-to-Right Practice: Gently guide their finger across the word/logo as you read..
While children may first recognize logos by their colors or shapes, this playful practice builds their awareness of print and letters, helping them to see reading as part of everyday life, all while having fun!
If you'd like to learn more about Environmental Reading, check out our blog post, Building A Bridge To Reading