Words on a Food Package

1. 1

   Set out two snack packages that look similar but have different flavors, such as strawberry and peach. Ask your child which flavor they would like.

2. 2

   After they choose, point to the printed flavor word on the package. Say, “Even without the picture, I can tell this is strawberry because the word says ‘strawberry.’” This shows that print can carry useful information.

3. 3

   Look for another short phrase on the package and explain what it tells you—for example, “This says the snack contains real strawberry juice.”

4. 4

   Try again with another pair of packages. Ask, “What flavor is this? Where does the package tell us?”

5. 5

   You can also use drink cartons or cookie packages. Let your child circle the English flavor word or another clear label so they can repeatedly experience print as a source of information.

What to notice

• Reads the words on the package and identifies the snack’s flavor Print and Alphabet Knowledge
• Circles the flavor word on the package with a pen Fine Motor

Tips

• If your child wants to keep playing, ask them to find another picture or word on the package: “Can you find where it says milk?”
• Packages with large print and clear information—such as a flavor or brand name—make the search easier at first.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Using printed clues to identify a flavor helps your child discover that words can carry information needed to solve a problem.
• Movement: Circling a printed flavor word gives your child practice locating a visual target and controlling a drawing tool with hand-eye coordination.