A “print rich” classroom is one in which many different kinds of print are displayed. Signs, labeled centers, wall stories, word displays, labeled murals. bulletin boards, displaying children’s favorite food products, charts and poems are just a few ways to display print.
 

The Teacher’s Role in a Print Rich Environment
-Provide time and opportunity for multiple literacy activities during the day.
-Models reading and writing
-Introduces students to a wide variety of literature
-Listens to students read
-Works with students during writing time
-Arranges print displays that are at student’s eye level

Environmental Print
Environmental print is the print we see all around us - the print on commercial signs, labels and products we use everyday,etc. Displaying environmental print in the classroom helps children feel successful “reading” at an early age. These early successes motivate young children to read more and more!

“I  Can Read” Bags
 provide students with a decorated bag for their print samples. Send a letter home to parents explaining the procedure.

Environmental Print Puzzles
 Cereal, muffin, cake mix, cracker and cookie boxes make great puzzles.

Environmental Lotto Boards
 Use candy wrappers to make lotto games

Environmental Concentration

Environmental Print Bulletin Boards
   “Can You Read These?”

Functional Print
 Functional print gives children a reason to read by providing information they need: schedules, routines, center labels, graphs, sign in sheets, etc. Functional print can also elicit responses from children, for example, I Painted Today, My Favorite Food, etc.

Good Morning Messages
Lunch Count
Calendar
Daily Schedule
Center Chart
Cooking Chart
Post Office

Books and writing materials in a variety of centers and places throughout the room.

Many opportunities are given to students to read and write throughout the day.

Print is displayed at each center.

A wide variety of writing tools and materials for the students to use.

Print displays are changed periodically.

Songs, poetry, student print displayed around the room.

Comfortable places are provided to read and write.