Functional print books are books designed to help children use reading and writing for a real purpose rather than simply reading a story. They are especially useful in kindergarten and first grade because they connect early literacy to things children actually do in everyday life.

What makes a book “functional”? A functional print book might teach children to recognize and understand print they encounter in their daily lives, such as:

• STOP • EXIT • OPEN / CLOSE • PUSH / PULL • MEN / WOMEN

• HOT / COLD • RESTROOM • SCHOOL • BUS STOP • NO RUNNING

• WASH YOUR HANDS • PLEASE WAIT

The important idea is that the words have a job. Children aren't just decoding STOP—they learn that the word tells them what to do. We have a handout with some images you might use in your classroom. Click here to download the handout. Sample images below.

Why functional print is valuable for young readers
Functional print helps children understand several important concepts about reading:
1. Print carries meaning.
A word isn't just something to sound out. It communicates information.
2. Reading has a purpose.
Children quickly discover that knowing what a sign says can help them navigate the world.
3. Words appear everywhere.
Children begin noticing that reading isn't limited to books. Words are on doors, boxes, streets, playgrounds, stores, clothing, and classroom materials.
4. It reinforces sight words and phonics.
Words such as STOP, GO, OPEN, and EXIT can become meaningful opportunities to practice letter-sound relationships and high-frequency words.
5. It builds confidence.
A beginning reader may struggle with a sentence in a story but successfully recognize STOP on a sign. That success reinforces the idea: “I can read!”

Scroll Down for More Info and Links to Free Dr. Jean Books

Children love to guess, giggle, and discover! That's why riddles are such a wonderful way to learn. Every riddle is like a tiny mystery waiting to be solved. As children listen carefully to the clues, they become active thinkers instead of simply looking for the right answer.
The best part is that children don't even realize they're practicing important learning skills. They're having fun while their brains are busy making connections!
Riddles Build Thinking Skills
Each clue encourages children to stop, think, and ask themselves:
"What could it be?"
As they compare clues and eliminate wrong answers, they develop critical thinking and learn that good thinkers look at problems from more than one point of view.
Click here for a download about using riddles in your classroom.

Two Videos with Riddles
Jokes for Back to School and Fall. See Playlist.