That is a way for us to go outside. Mrs. Carr shows the children as she points to the title. They have to learn that we read from the front to the back of a book, from left to right, and from the top of a page to the bottom. Adults can help by pointing to the place on the page they are beginning to read, by printing names on the top left-hand corners of children's paintings or papers, and by showing care and respect for books. Babies enjoy playing with cloth or plastic books that can be chewed or treated roughly, but most children can learn at a surprisingly early age to treat books with respect.
Many toddlers become interested in the tools for creating print.
It is the caregiver's job to see that this kind of pretend play is safe and fun while the children learn. When children have pens or pencils, or books that are easily torn, they must be watched carefully. For emergent literacy skills to develop, children need to explore language that is sung, spoken, recited, and written. Adults who enjoy reading, writing, and playing with language are powerful influences. Children also rely on adults to provide the props, tools, time, and space they need for practicing their emerging skills through play.