Correct Answer: environmental print
the concept mrs. levitt is most likely promoting with her reading center is known as "environmental print." environmental print refers to the print of everyday life, including signs, labels, logos, and other printed words found in the environment. this type of print is among the first reading experiences young children have, and recognizing this print is a crucial step in the journey to becoming literate.
in mrs. levitt’s classroom, by using a pointer to identify and name signs like "girls," "boys," "exit," "cubbies," and "line leader," the children are engaging with environmental print in a meaningful way. this activity not only helps them to recognize specific words and symbols but also to understand their functions within their daily environment. for instance, recognizing the word "exit" on a sign provides a crucial link between the written word and its practical application in the world around them.
this method of teaching is particularly effective in early education because it builds on the natural curiosity children have about the written words they see in their surroundings. it also reinforces the idea that reading is not just an academic skill confined to books and stories but a useful skill in navigating the world. by connecting these everyday signs with their meanings, mrs. levitt helps her students make the important cognitive connection that words are symbols that convey meaning.
moreover, this approach supports the development of other foundational literacy skills, such as the concept of print (knowing that print carries meaning), directionality (understanding that print in english is read from left to right and top to bottom), and the recognition of common sight words (high-frequency words such as "stop" and "go" that are essential for fluent reading).
in summary, mrs. levitt's use of environmental print in her reading center is a strategic choice designed to engage her students with practical reading opportunities. this not only helps them to learn to read in a meaningful context but also aids in their overall cognitive development by linking words with their corresponding objects and actions in the real world.
|