Making the environment part of the learning process

The ultimate goal is to develop a capable, fluent, lifelong reader. Before we start coaching (unstructing) the first step is to create a language-rich and print-rich environment.

There are three kinds of print appropriate for display at school or home.

1. Functional print (How-to charts, etc.)
2. Environmental print (reading materials from the surrounding world, such as street signs and traffic signs).
3. Dramatic play print (younger children might use words related to shopping, going to the doctor, etc.; older students can also do dramatic play when we consider reading poetry, plays, and choral reading, etc.)

It is appropriate to post word lists and how-to instruction charts for learners of all ages and grade levels on "word-walls." Make use of available wall space, wherever you teach. Make sure your charts are correctly spelled correctly and large enough to be seen.

Creating a Print Rich Environment	Raising a Reader	Basic Planning Procedures	Twelve-step Preparation
Directed Reading Activity (DRA)	Reading Stages Shared Reading	Students' Reading Levels	Readability and Book Selection
"Easy on the Eyes" Books	Readability Formula	Tried and True Informal Method	Teaching Skills by Modeling