What does print awareness include?

Print awareness encompasses the understanding that print serves as a form of communication. This means recognizing that the marks on a page represent spoken language and convey meaningful information. Children develop print awareness when they learn that letters and words have specific sounds and meanings, which is foundational for later literacy skills. This understanding is crucial for early literacy development as it sets the stage for reading and writing proficiency.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent print awareness. For instance, understanding print as communication implies that it has purpose, which contradicts the idea that print has no purpose. Similarly, print is not limited to books; it encompasses a wide range of materials, including signs, labels, and digital content. Lastly, print awareness is distinct from reading skills, as it's more about the recognition of print itself rather than the ability to read.