How to Teach Concepts of Print in Kindergarten

There are so many things to teach and do at the beginning of the school year, especially in kindergarten. Students arrive with varying levels of experience and understanding, making teaching even more challenging.

Teaching reading in kindergarten is a huge undertaking for that reason. You have to start at the true basics, yet many large curriculums spread those skills throughout the year or skip them early on. That’s why I created my Kindergarten Reading Units to guide students from the very beginning through the end of the year.

Unit 1, Print Concepts, is designed so that by the end of the month, students will understand how books work, choose books that interest them, and track print by pointing to each word. This unit builds a foundation that sets students up for success all year long.

So, what’s included?
A lot! When you purchase this unit, you’ll get 20 print-and-go lesson plans, a pacing guide, classroom library setup tips, Common Core alignment, anchor charts, practice pages, decodables, and fully editable slides.

You can see everything that's included here! 

Will this feel overwhelming?
Not at all. These lessons were designed with teachers in mind. Each one includes a teaching point, needed materials, a simple scripted mini-lesson, a student activity, and a share-out—all in about 20 minutes, including independent work time. It’s developmentally appropriate, engaging, and easy to prep.

How do I use this in the classroom?
Lessons are ready to pick up and teach right away. However, you’ll get the most out of the unit by prepping your classroom library first. Establish procedures, gather a variety of books, set up anchor charts where all students can see them (or pull up the slides), and plan your independent reading routines.

Is there a writing unit that pairs well with this one?
Yes! My Labeling Unit is the perfect match. While you teach print concepts in reading, students can practice stretching out words, writing beginning sounds, and building sentences in writing. By the end of the first month, students will have strong early foundations in both reading and writing.

Ready to start?
You can grab the individual Print Concepts Unit, but I highly recommend the full Kindergarten Reading Bundle. 

I also have many developmentally appropriate reading centers and decodables—be sure to explore the full store!