The Significance of Signs at the Preschool Level

What You Need To Know

Signs, signs everywhere there are signs. But does your child notice them? In the 3-5 age group, experts have widely held expectations of what your child should be doing. Here are a few to watch for.

• Child shows awareness of print as a form of communication.
• Follows the print on the page, moving eyes and using finger.
• Identifies some letters and numbers.
• Recognizes and begins to write own name.
• Reads familiar logos, posters or signs. (Does your child recognize the Target sign?)
• Child understands that each spoken word can be written down and read.

How You Can Help

Point out signs to your child and help get them curious about the world around them. You can also do some activities at home to get their brains on board.

• Buy label stickers and plastic containers. Have your child help you label containers to help organize toys in their room. Label one “Small Toys” for those hard to categorize items.     
• Write labels for projects or block constructions. Try folding a small rectangular piece of paper in half and then label the front “Jake’s Tower”. Stand it up right in front of Jake’s duplo masterpiece.             
• Encourage your child to help read the job chart or daily schedule. Buy them a super hero or princess calendar and have them keep track of what day of the week or month we are on.
• Encourage your child’s interest in copying or writing their name. Go to moondrops.com (http://www.mymoondrops.com/spelling.html) and type in your child’s name for free custom printable tracing paper.
• Education.com also has great writing worksheets and printables for preschoolers. (http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/writing/)

Once you put the spotlight on the signs in your child’s life, don’t be surprised when they point out things that you’ve missed.