What is the primary goal of print concept instruction?

The primary goal of print concept instruction is to help students navigate books and texts. This foundational literacy skill encompasses understanding how print works, including recognizing that printed text carries meaning, that it moves from left to right, and that different features of a book—like the cover, title, and illustrations—have specific purposes. By mastering these concepts, students build the necessary skills to engage with various texts independently, which is essential for developing reading proficiency.

This approach focuses on instilling in students the knowledge about the structure and conventions of written language, which directly supports their ability to decode and comprehend text. Understanding these print concepts is crucial for early literacy development as it lays the groundwork for more advanced reading skills.