What do we call words and lettering that appear in a child's everyday environment?

The term that describes the words and lettering found in a child's everyday environment is environmental print. This includes elements such as signs, labels, menus, and logos that children see regularly in their surroundings. Recognizing environmental print plays a critical role in early literacy development, as it helps children make connections between spoken and written language.

Exposure to environmental print fosters awareness of print in the community and can stimulate curiosity about reading. When children learn to recognize these words and symbols, it enhances their understanding of how print conveys meaning and reinforces their literacy skills in a natural, engaging manner. This foundational knowledge is essential as they progress in their reading and writing abilities.