Awareness of Print and Illustrations

Numbers vs. Letters: Your Preschooler Understands the Difference Between Numbers and Letters

When children first become aware of print, they often do not understand the difference between letters and numbers. They both seem to be simply pieces of writing that convey meaning. Between the ages of four and five, though, as children learn what these bits of writing actually stand for, they understand that numbers and letters provide very different kinds of information: numbers represent quantity while letters form words. In addition to learning the sounds letters stand for and how they work together to form words, they also realize that letters come in uppercase and lowercase forms and that a space is needed to separate individual words. All of these clues point them in the direction of being able to read on their own, a very exciting time!

Has your child achieved the following Print Awareness and Concepts developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all of the skill(s) he has already mastered to date.