Print Awareness: Many parents in Nigeria want their children to do well in school. They want their children to speak well, read well, and pass exams. But many don’t know that reading does not start in Primary 1. It actually starts much earlier — at home.
There is something small that makes a big difference. It is called print awareness. When a child understands how books and printed words work, it becomes easier for them to learn how to read.
In this article, we will explain how Nigerian parents can teach print awareness at home, even without spending money. We will also share simple things you can do daily to help your child start reading early and confidently.
What Is Print Awareness?
Print awareness means a child understands that written words carry meaning. It means the child knows how to:
Hold a book the right way
Know where a story starts and ends
Follow text from left to right
Know that print is different from pictures
Recognize letters and common words like “mummy”, “daddy”, or their name
Print awareness is the first thing a child should learn before phonics or reading full sentences. If a child has good print awareness, they will not struggle much with reading in school. For more expert insights, see this guide on Print Awareness from Reading Rockets.
Why Some Nigerian Children Struggle With Reading
Many children in Nigeria reach Primary 1 without knowing how to hold a book or follow words. Some can sing ABC from videos but cannot point to the letter “A” in a book. This is because no one showed them how printed words work.
Here are some reasons:
No early reading at home: Some parents think reading starts in school only.
Too much time on phones or cartoons: Children watch things but do not engage with books.
No books at home: Many homes do not have storybooks or printed materials.
Parents are too busy or unaware: Some parents want to help but don’t know where to begin.
The good thing is that this can change. You don’t need to be rich. No need to buy expensive books. You just need to make time and use what you have.
Signs That Show Your Child Has Print Awareness
You may wonder how to know if your child has print awareness. Look out for these signs:
Your child knows how to open a book correctly
Your child points to text in a book or poster
They pretend to read by following lines of text
They know some letters or words when they see them
They understand that books have pages and print tells the story
If your child is already doing some of these things, then you have started well. If not, it’s never too late to begin.
How Nigerian Parents Can Build Print Awareness at Home
There are many easy ways to build print awareness at home without spending much. You can use everyday items and your daily routine.
1. Read Aloud Every Day
Choose a short storybook, the Bible, or even newspapers. Sit with your child and read aloud. While reading, point to the words with your finger so the child can follow.
Say things like, “We read from here to here” as you move your finger across the sentence. This teaches the child how reading works.
Even 5 to 10 minutes of reading daily can make a big difference.
2. Use Local Items to Teach Words
You don’t need fancy books. Use things in your home. For example:
Read the writing on biscuit wrappers
Show them labels on the rice bag or oil container
Use church bulletins, old calendars, or flyers
These are things children see every day. When you point out the words and read them, it builds awareness.
3. Label Common Items in Your House
Get masking tape or paper and write simple words like:
Door
Chair
Table
Cup
Spoon
Paste the labels on the correct item. When your child sees the item and the label often, they learn that the word on the paper matches the object. This is a strong way to link print to meaning.
4. Let Your Child See You Read
Children learn by copying what they see. If you are always pressing your phone, that is what they will copy. But if they see you reading newspapers, your Bible, or any book, they will want to read too.
You don’t even have to read aloud. Just let them see that reading is a normal thing in the house.
5. Ask Them Questions While Reading
When reading a book, stop and ask questions like:
Can you find letter “A”?
Where is the title of the book?
Which word comes first on the page?
These small questions help them pay attention to the printed words.
6. Use Songs and Rhymes
Sing alphabet songs, number songs, or nursery rhymes with your child. Clap hands, dance, and point to letters as you sing. Rhymes help with remembering letter shapes and sounds.
You can also create your own song using your child’s name or items around the house.
7. Visit Bookshops or Libraries
Take your child to look at books, even if you don’t buy. Let them touch the books, turn the pages, and point at letters.
In many Nigerian cities, there are small libraries or church book corners where you can borrow books. You can also find cheap second-hand books at markets.
8. Print Their Name on Their Belongings
Children love to see their name. Write your child’s name on their cup, lunchbox, school bag, and books. Help them recognize the letters in their name. You can also print their name on paper and place it on the wall.
Children usually learn their name first before any other word.
Fun Activities That Teach Print Awareness
Let’s look at some play-based activities you can try at home:
1. Letter Hunt
Write letters A to Z on small papers. Hide them around the room. Ask your child to find a letter and name it.
2. Picture and Word Matching
Cut out pictures of objects (ball, dog, car). Write the word below each picture. Ask your child to match the picture with the correct word.
3. Name Puzzles
Write your child’s name on cardboard. Cut each letter out. Mix them up and ask your child to arrange the letters in order.
4. Word Tracing
Write simple words in dotted lines. Let your child trace them with a pencil or crayon.
5. Chalk and Sand Writing
Use chalk on cement or write letters with a stick in the sand. It’s fun and cheap.
What to Avoid When Teaching Print Awareness
Don’t shout or beat the child if they forget. Learning takes time.
Don’t compare your child with others. Every child learns at their own speed.
Don’t expect perfect reading at the beginning. Start small.
Don’t only teach with phones and tablets. Use real books and paper too.
How Teachers and Parents Can Work Together
If your child is already in school, talk to their teacher. Ask questions like:
What books are they reading in class?
How is the child performing?
Can I get extra worksheets or books to use at home?
Some teachers will be happy to guide you. When parents and teachers support each other, the child learns faster.
Also, attend school meetings, join WhatsApp groups, and follow up on homework. You don’t have to be a trained teacher to help your child.
What If You Don’t Speak English Well?
Don’t worry. You can still help your child.
Use books written in your language if you have access to them.
Point to words and explain what they mean.
Let your child teach you what they learn in school — it builds their confidence.
What matters most is that you care and you try.
Encourage Your Child Daily
Even if your child forgets something today, remind them gently tomorrow. Say things like:
“You are doing well.”
“Mummy is proud of you.”
“Let’s try again together.”
Small words like these make a big difference in how children feel about learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Print Awareness
What age should I start teaching my child about print?
You can start from 1 year old. Begin with showing them books, singing songs, and pointing to words. From 2 years, you can label objects and help them trace letters.
My child is 5 and still not reading. Is it too late?
No, it is not too late. Start now with daily reading and simple word activities. Children learn at different times.
Do I need to buy expensive books?
Not at all. Use newspapers, old magazines, empty cartons, calendars, and even wrappers with writing on them. You can also write your own stories for your child.
What if my child doesn’t want to sit and learn?
Make learning fun. Turn it into games. Use songs, dancing, and drawing. Children don’t like stress, but they love fun.
I work from morning till night. How can I help?
Even 10 minutes before bed can help. Read during weekend break or let someone at home follow the steps with your child.
Final Advice for Nigerian Parents on Print Awareness
Every child has the right to learn how to read. But it starts with small steps. Your child doesn’t need to start with big grammar or full books. They need you to point to words, read aloud, and talk about letters with them.
Print awareness is the seed. Once it is planted, reading will grow. And when a child reads well, they will do better in every subject.
So start today. Pick one thing from this article and try it with your child. Then try another tomorrow. You don’t need money — just your time, attention, and patience.
Reading is not only for the classroom. It begins at home. Let your home be the first classroom your child ever knows.