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Preschools have labels because they value ‘environmental print’. But… if no one reads the labels or talks about them, do they really help teach language and literacy? A label that says “chair” doesn’t help a child find a place to sit. Adding different languages to the label nobody reads doesn’t make it any more useful. Adding a picture of the chair to the label of the chair that is on the chair…. well you get the picture. What if we created a label revolution with these five quick changes?!?
You can even make talking labels so you can hear how to pronounce words in the children’s languages. Try a smart pen or create spoken labels using QR codes and handheld devices. I know we are giving the ECERS designers and the NAEYC Accreditation people something to worry about, but maybe we can get them to see a better way to use classroom labels, even if it takes a revolution!
Recently read a post by Kristine Beeley on Playing to Learn that makes similar points for early years educators in England: “If it Doesn’t Move… Label It!”
I’m wondering what age group you are thinking of as you write this. I agree with all points except moving items. I think that similar to routines materials should be placed logically with like items and moving them around would not support independence for preschool ages. Imagine if your bras or underwear were routinely moved and you couldn’t find them when you needed them? Children who have a purpose in mind as they go out aren’t thinking about learning to read…they just want to create or explore. I would rather focus on helping children with decoding words when I can work one on one, not when I have 15 children all leaving to use materials.
Hi, Carla. Thank you for your comments. I agree that we shouldn’t focus on turning every experience into a reading drill or drive children crazy moving things around just to teach them a lesson. But, on the other hand, preschool classrooms have been plastered with labels since my mom was a nursery school teacher in the 1950s and most of those labels are never noticed or read or used or changed. If I was writing this as a longer article I would definitely include your points. I think there’s value in opening up this discussion even if it means people share different perspectives.