Children may already understand much about print before coming to preschool.

Many children can already read words such as “STOP”, “EXIT”, store or restaurant chain names that are found in their environment, and their own names or names of family members. 

Children also begin to notice letters and name them, perhaps beginning with "their letter," the first letter of their name.

The ELS assesses this item across 2 strands. The next two pages will provide more detailed information about these strands.