Why is exposure to print important in developing literacy skills?

Exposure to print is crucial in developing literacy skills because it fosters an awareness of print. When children are consistently surrounded by printed materials—such as books, signs, labels, and other text—they become familiar with the written language's structures, including the directionality of reading, letter recognition, and the relationship between letters and sounds. This print awareness serves as a foundation for more advanced literacy skills, such as decoding, comprehension, and ultimately reading fluency.

By being exposed to print, learners begin to understand that print carries meaning, which enhances their motivation to read and engage with texts independently. This exposure helps them develop essential concepts of print, such as understanding that words are made up of letters, that letters represent sounds, and that sentences can convey ideas and information. Therefore, this foundational stage is vital for building the skills necessary for successful reading and literacy development.