11 Fun Ways to Help Students Track Print While Reading

Tracking print is an essential early literacy skill that helps students connect spoken words to written words. When students learn to track text from left to right and match one spoken word to one written word, they build the foundation for fluent reading.

Here are 11 fresh and fun ways to practice tracking print in your classroom:

1. Finger Tracking

The simplest method—students use their own finger to follow along under each word as they read. 

2. Use a Reading Pointer

Craft sticks, straws, or coffee stirrers can double as reading wands. Switching up the tool keeps students engaged.

3. Point with Seasonal or Fun Items

Take tracking up a notch with playful, themed items! Think Halloween monster (or witch) fingers, Christmas candy canes, Valentine’s Day pencils, or even lemonade stirrers in the spring. Kids will look forward to using them!

4. Highlight Strips or Rulers

Transparent strips or rulers placed under the text help students keep their place and focus on one line at a time.

5. Echo Reading

Model good print tracking by reading a line while pointing to each word. Students then echo it back, following along with their own finger or pointer.

6. Choral Reading

Read aloud together as a group while tracking with fingers. This helps reinforce rhythm, pacing, and directionality.

7. Word Windows

Create a card with a cut-out “window” so only one word shows at a time. This is a great tool for emerging readers who need extra focus.

8. Bookmarks

Students use bookmarks to keep their place. Students can use the corner or place the ruler under the line of text. They may enjoy decorating their bookmark!

9. Tracking with Technology

Many e-books highlight words as they are read aloud. These digital supports can be excellent for visual reinforcement.

10. Partner Reading

Pair students up! One student tracks the words while the other reads aloud. Then they switch roles.

11. Whisper Reading

Students point and read in a whisper voice (or squeaky voice or whatever voice you can tolerate!)

Consider using these ideas with shorter passages. Rotate tools and ideas to keep your students engaged. 

With faith and friendship,

Following Directions: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Classroom

Whether it’s lining up quietly, getting materials ready, or transitioning between subjects, students need to hear, process, and act on instructions many times throughout the day. Following directions isn’t just a classroom management tool—it’s a life skill! 

Why Students May Struggle with Directions

Even the most well-meaning students sometimes miss steps. This can happen when:

• Instructions are too long and overwhelm young learners.

• Students are distracted or not actively listening.

• They need more processing time before beginning a task.

• They’re still learning routines at the beginning of the school year.

The key is to provide clear, consistent instructional strategies and opportunities for practice:

Model First 

Show students what the directions look like before asking them to try. A quick demonstration saves time in the long run.

Chunk Instructions

Instead of giving five steps at once, break them into smaller parts. “Take out your notebook. Then write today’s date.”

Repeat or Rephrase

Ask a student to repeat the directions back in their own words. This ensures they’ve heard and understood.

Use Visuals

Post step-by-step directions on the board or use icons for common tasks (scissors for cutting, pencil for writing, etc.).

Practice Playfully

Turn following directions into a game so students stay engaged while building this essential skill.

Fun Ways to Practice Following Directions:

The best way to build listening and direction-following skills is through practice—and practice doesn’t have to feel like work! Some classroom favorites include:

Simon Says with a Twist

Add academic prompts: “Simon says hop three times and then name a synonym for happy.”

Crafts and Projects

Activities with multiple steps are perfect for practicing careful listening.

Following Directions Games

Students play short, engaging games where they listen carefully and respond quickly. They have fun while strengthening an essential classroom skill.

These activities get kids moving, listening, and laughing while practicing a skill they’ll use every single day:

When students learn to listen carefully and respond appropriately, they build independence, confidence, and responsibility. The good news? Like reading and math, following directions is a skill that can be taught, modeled, and practiced. 

With faith and friendship,