Label It, Learn It

As you enter a child’s classroom, you discover the door has been labeled with a sign that says “Door” and the wall is labeled “Wall.”

What is going on? When young children begin to associate the name of an object with that object, they start to realize that words have meaning and power. From their first realization that saying “water” gets them a drink and that “outside” lets other people know they want to play outdoors, children use the spoken word to get what they need and want.

The next step is to begin to associate letters and words with objects in the room. This link can easily be made at home, too. Just remember to keep it simple and label only a few things at a time.

- Begin with signs that incorporate only one letter–wear one that say “M” for Mother and “D” for Dad. Let your child watch as you print the letter.
- Label those objects your child asks you to label.
- Encourage your child to make his or her signs to display around the house.

While the labels are posted around your house, talk with your child about them. Find other things that begin with the same letter sound.

When children see the same labels day after day, they tend to tune them out. So, as they seem to lose interest in some labels, make new ones.

(From Family-Family Communication for Early Childhood Programs. Diffy and Morrison)