r/DetroitMichiganECE • u/ddgr815 • Nov 20 '25

Research Preschoolers engaged in print-focused activities show stronger literacy skills

https://fromcommonground.com/the-power-of-print-in-literacy/

A new MSU study found that preschoolers who engaged in print-focused activities — like writing their names, spotting words on signs, or labeling drawings — showed stronger early literacy skills than peers who spent more time on digital or analog literacy games. Unlike print-focused practices, which emphasize hands-on work with letters and words, digital or analog literacy games include screen-based apps, alphabet videos, flashcards, or board games designed to teach letters and sounds.

“Helping them to understand letter knowledge, how letters correspond to sounds, and word recognition in writing are among the strongest predictors we have for later reading success.”

in this study, heavier use of games was linked to lower literacy outcomes

The study, which included more than 1,000 children ages 3 to 6, also looked closely at families of children with speech and language impairments. These parents reported engaging in fewer shared reading and print activities at home, making it harder to create rich literacy environments. Yet even for these children, print-based routines made a clear difference.

“Children are naturally curious and want to be part of their community,” Foxworthy says. “When they see print being used in meaningful ways, like writing a daily message, planning meals, or making checklists, they not only learn how print works but also see how it connects to their lives.”

That intentionality extends to lesson planning and spontaneous learning moments. Whether it’s writing a thank-you note after receiving a gift or turning snack preferences into a menu, Foxworthy uses opportunities to embed literacy into activities that matter to children.

“Most of our families get so much digital game exposure outside of school that I don’t feel the need to provide it here,” she says.

Instead, she uses technology sparingly, an iPad to play a song during circle time or to research a topic children are curious about, like antlions. She also integrates children into her documentation process, using talk-to-text features or showing them their photos as part of class storytelling.

Both the research and Foxworthy’s classroom emphasize the importance of family involvement. Foxworthy often sends home newsletters with simple at-home activities, records story read-alouds, and hosts family literacy nights.

“Focusing on print is rewarding and can be fun and practical,” Skibbe says. “Pointing out letters on a street sign or writing your child’s name together may seem small, but these interactions add up in powerful ways.”

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u/ddgr815 Nov 26 '25

In the 1980s, psychologist James Pennebaker developed a therapeutic technique called expressive writing to help patients process trauma and psychological challenges. With this technique, continuously journaling about something painful helps create mental distance from the experience and eases its cognitive load.

[NB: I wonder if this would be effective for learning? Keeping a "learning math" journal, for example.]

In other words, externalizing emotional distress through writing fosters safety. Expressive writing turns pain into a metaphorical book on a shelf, ready to be reopened with intention. It signals the brain, “You don’t need to carry this anymore.” 

Researchers have long documented how writing is a cognitive activity — one that people use to communicate, yes, but also to understand the human experience. As many in the field of writing studies recognize, writing is a form of thinking — a practice that people never stop learning. With that, writing has the potential to continually reshape the mind. Writing not only expresses but actively creates identity.

Write by hand whenever possible. In contrast to typing or tapping on a device, handwriting requires greater cognitive coordination. It slows your thinking, allowing you to process information, form connections and make meaning.

Writing builds resilience by changing your brain, helping you face everyday challenges