environmental print
Environmental print provides children with their earliest reading experiences and are valuable social and cultural interactions (Giles & Tunks, 2010; Kuby & Aldridge, 2004; Neumann et al., 2012).
When deciding what print to display in the classroom, it is recommended that children are involved in the collection of print (Giles & Tunks, 2010). Allowing children to collect print from their homes and lives ensures the print is meaningful and relevant to them. In order to incorporate child-friendly environmental print (such as toy, movie and television symbols) teachers can invite students to bring in packaging from home (Horner, 2005).
Environmental print can be incorporated at a variety of classroom centres, including setting up a toy store or movie theatre at the dramatic centre. As well, environmental print can be incorporated in the classroom through word walls, digital portfolios, or by using children's literature that features environmental print (Giles & Tunks, 2010).
