Print Rich Classroom
When I first entered the classroom, I noticed that there were words every where. I knew that it was important for students to see words around them in their daily lives, but I didn't realize how beneficial this could be. By labeling items around the classroom, using a word wall, and posting charts around the room, students see these words in specific contexts. That way, when students begin to read or write they have a reference. Students might recognize a word because they have seen it in the classroom. When they look around the room to see the word in context, it helps the child figure out the word in the book they are reading. In writing, I have observed many students using the words around the room to help them with spelling. If they are unsure how to spell a word, they look for it in context around the room and it helps them figure out the spelling. Children actively use their surroundings to learn, and it is so important to take advantage of that.