6 Ways to Easily Develop Concepts of Print

by Debora Marines MEQ | Updated June 2026

Have you ever wondered what you should do to help a child learn to read? It really starts with just reading….but there are simple, easy, important things to do as you read. These are called print concepts which are essential to reading and writing. So check out 6 ways to easily develop concepts of print to help beginning readers.

What are Concepts About Print?

They are an awareness of print in everyday environments. Concepts about print involve understanding the difference between words, letters, punctuation and directionality. In fact, print concepts foster reading comprehension and vocabulary growth.

Some of these include:

left to right tracking of words
top and bottom of the page
front and back of the book
front cover
page numbers
punctuation marks
spaces between words

Developing Concepts of Print Teach Magically

Reading “Big Books” is a perfect way to develop print concepts!

Click to get a copy of ideas -> Concepts of Print Worksheet

What can you do to help develop concepts about print?

1. Practice Print Concepts

Talking about words, letters, and stories develops print concepts that in short makes reading fun and engaging. Basically, you need model concepts of print and practice manipulating text whenever you can. Constantly focus on print when doing tasks throughout the day and provide varied, fun ways to practice reading. Click here to see fun ways to begin reading before words are known.

When we did this retelling craft, I included the color words, and we talked about the number of letters in each word.

2. Read to develop print concepts

Constant exposure to different kinds of text plus understanding how print works will help develop the skills needed for kiddos to become successful readers. So be sure to read each day. Yes, it’s ok to read and reread the same book! Here you can see one of the kiddos favorites!

Concepts of print tips and tricks teach magically

3. Look for Patterns in Print and Pictures

For example:

- repetitive sentence patterns (I see the . . . )

- sentence location on each page

- a common character located on each page somewhere (Mercer Mayer has a cricket, grasshopper, mouse, or spider on each page)

- In Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown has the mouse all around the room…and check out the clock.)

4. Sentence Construction

First, print a brief familiar rhyme or poem on individual word cards then have the kiddos construct and reconstruct the text by line. As a matter of fact, this will really help kiddos focus on words and sentences.

You can check out my Simple Alphabet Poems that I use to develop print concepts.

5. Write a Grocery List to Develop Concepts of Print

This is a perfect place to add paper and pencils to your kitchen play area. But be sure to explain to the students how to write the lists.

Some things to ask:

“Should we put our first word at the top or the bottom?”
“Will the first letter go on the right or the left?”
“Should the K in Kix be upper case or lower case?”

6. Sight Word Work Sentence Building

Add cards with names and names of family members, periods, exclamation marks and question marks and action words to a bag with sight words. Then put together the cards, leaving spaces between each card, to create simple sentences (“Mary can jump.” vs. “Can Paul sing?” vs. “I can run!”)

I hope you’ve found this information about concepts of print helpful. In addition, if you have any additional tips that might help a teacher, please share below in comments!

Also here’s where you can find me:

Make everyday magical,

❤Debora