What foundational literacy skill involves distinguishing writing from non-writing?

The foundational literacy skill that involves distinguishing writing from non-writing is identifying print concepts. This skill focuses on recognizing that print carries meaning and is specifically different from pictures or non-written symbols. Young children learn to understand that writing has a structure, such as letters, words, and sentences, which conveys messages, unlike non-writing elements like illustrations or drawings.

Identifying print concepts includes recognizing features of written text, such as the direction in which to read, the difference between letters and words, and understanding the role of spaces in separating words. It serves as a critical building block for further literacy development as it lays the groundwork for more complex skills, like reading and writing. Understanding these concepts helps children become more literate and prepares them for the reading experiences they will encounter as they advance in their education.