Which strategy is most effective for helping children understand that print is read from left to right in English?

Pointing to each word of text while reading Big Books aloud is the most effective strategy for helping children understand that print is read from left to right in English. This method provides a clear visual and auditory connection as children see the words being read in real time. By following the movement of the teacher's finger across the page, children develop a tangible understanding of the left-to-right directionality of reading.

Additionally, this technique promotes engagement and encourages children to track the words themselves, which is essential for developing reading skills. It reinforces the concept of reading as a sequential process and helps children become aware of the structure of written language.

Using flashcards for vocabulary words primarily focuses on word recognition in isolation, which may not effectively convey how text is organized in terms of directionality. Reading silently to the class does not provide the visual guidance needed to illustrate the left-to-right progression of reading. Displaying words on the board offers visual reference but lacks the dynamic, interactive aspect of pointing to words during an engaging reading experience, which is crucial at this early stage of literacy development.