What does running a finger under the text reinforce for young learners?

Running a finger under the text reinforces the directionality of print, which is a fundamental skill for young readers. This practice helps children understand that reading occurs from left to right and top to bottom, which aligns with the conventions of written language in English. By physically following the words with their finger, learners develop spatial awareness of how text is organized on a page, which is crucial for fluency and comprehension. It establishes an early recognition of how letters and words are sequenced, laying the groundwork for more advanced reading skills. This strategy helps to create a connection between spoken language and written text, facilitating a smoother transition into independent reading.