Observe the child “reading” a book to the adult.
The adult asks the child to read a familiar book. If the child doesn’t spontaneously follow the print, ask the child to show you the words as she reads.
The child demonstrates she understands that the text is what she is supposed to say to “read” the book by pointing to the words as she talks.
Encourage early childhood educators and parents to occasionally follow the print with their fingers as they read. Talk to the child about how the “writing” tells them what to read. Adults should ask the child to read favorite books to them and follow the words as she reads with her finger. She will not follow the words accurately, but she will understand that the text tells what she should say.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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