How to Use Environmental Print in the Classroom

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. View our full disclosure policy here.

68 Shares

The first thing kids usually “read” are words they find on items around us (logos, signs, boxes, etc.). We call this “environmental print.” Today I am going to share with you a great way to use common words found in our environment to strengthen literacy skills. Using environmental print in the classroom can be beneficial and fun!

*Want even more fun tips and ideas for the classroom? Join us in the Print and Play Club and have unlimited access to amazing resources and activities for Pre-K & Kindergarten!

Check out how using environmental print in the classroom can strengthen literacy skills and add tons of fun to your lessons!

How to Use Environmental Print in the Classroom

Is it just my students or do almost ALL kids recognize the famous golden arches and immediately shout, “McDonald’s!” When a child can recognize a sign or logo and “read” the words, they get so excited.

Bringing environmental print into the classroom can build up a student’s confidence and increase their feeling of “I’m a reader!”

It also gives meaning to letters, symbols, and words and how they relate to everyday experiences.

Check out my favorite way to use environmental print in the classroom!

Gather the Print

Incorporating environmental print into our day doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. I like to sometimes add this simple activity into our morning Circle Time routine. It’s quick, easy, and instantly has my students engaged and excited to learn!

I start by having my students bring in anything they can “read” from their own house. This may include cereal boxes, magazine cutouts, food labels, etc.

Have students bring in anything they can "read" from their own house including cereal boxes, food labels, etc.

For my part, I like to print out common signs and pictures of things the kids may see in the community including grocery signs, restaurant signs, etc.

Time to Read!

For this activity, I have pocket chart labels that say, “I can read _____.” and “Do you like _____?” You can grab a free set of the labels I use at the bottom of the post!

Once we have collected our favorite examples of environmental print I add them to the pocket chart with the labels.

For this activity, I have pocket chart labels that say, "I can read." and "Do you like?"

When our words and signs are clearly displayed in the pocket chart I point to an item and we say together, “I can read _____ (read item).” and “Do you like _____ (read item)?”

You will love seeing your students’ faces light up and their confidence grow as they “read” aloud the words found in their environment!

Grab Your FREE Pocket Chart Labels

Ready to add some environmental print reading fun to your lessons? Grab a free copy of the pocket chart labels that I use by clicking the large, yellow download button at the end of the post!

Want unlimited access to even MORE of our activities and resources? Join us in the Print and Play Club!

Your planning will be so much easier with instant access to:

  • hundreds of printables
  • every TKC resource
  • video lessons
  • a digital games vault
  • Pre-K and TK Scope & Sequence
  • a PLAYlist of fun songs AND activities
  • professional development
  • additional teacher resources…
Want unlimited access to tons of activities and resources for Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten? Join us in the Print and Play Club!

Be sure to request an invitation so that you don’t miss your chance to be part of the best early childhood club around!

Click Here to Download Your Printable
The Kindergarten Connection
68 Shares

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *