See the skill in action
1. Front cover + title2. First page: start at top left3. Read across, then turn page
Key vocabulary
- convention — a usual way a text is organised so readers know what to do
- cover — the outside front of a book
- title — the name of a text
- navigation — using text features to move to the part you need
- icon — a small picture or symbol that shows an action or idea
Key concept
I can use book and screen clues to know where to start and what to do next.
Learning goal: I can use book and screen clues to know where to start and what to do next.
I am ready when I can
- I can identify a cover and title.
- I can find the starting point in a familiar text.
- I can follow the expected English reading direction.
- I can use an icon or button for navigation.
- I can compare one book feature with one screen feature.
See it, then try it
See the skill in action
1. Front cover + title2. First page: start at top left3. Read across, then turn page
Use screen clues to choose the next action
Title: Australian AnimalsSpeaker icon → hear the wordsNext button → move on
Use screen clues to choose the next action
Title: Australian AnimalsSpeaker icon → hear the wordsNext button → move on
Australian Curriculum elaborations
E1: Trace the reading direction in Standard Australian English
Standard Australian English print is usually followed from left to right across a line and from the top line down to the next line.
Start: BirdsMove right: can → fly.Return left and downMove right: Fish → can → swim.
Think: Find the first word at the top left. Sweep from left to right across the line. Return to the left of the next line and move down the page.
Try: Where does this English sentence begin, and where will your finger move next?
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: locates the first word and traces left to right, then returns to the start of the next line below.
Check: The learner locates the first word and traces left to right, then returns to the start of the next line below.
If you are stuck: Place a green start dot and a curved return arrow on a two-line text, then let the learner trace over them.
E2: Use tabs in a simple digital text
A tab is a labelled part of a screen that helps a reader move directly to a section of a digital text.
Tab: HomeTab: Food ← chooseTab: HomesResult: grass and roots
Think: Find the row of labelled tabs. Read or hear the tab labels. Choose the label that matches the information you need.
Try: You want to see what wombats eat. Which tab would you choose: Home, Food or Homes?
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: selects Food and explains that the label matches the needed information.
Check: The learner selects Food and explains that the label matches the needed information.
If you are stuck: Pair each tab with a picture clue and rehearse a complete question, such as: I need food facts; which label matches?
E3: Notice where images and words are placed
The placement of words near, above, below or inside an image helps a reader connect the right words with the right picture.
PhotoCaption below: Green tree frogLabel beside arrow: wingSpeech bubble beside character
Think: Find the words. Find the nearby image or image part. Explain how the placement helps connect them.
Try: A label reading wing sits beside an arrow pointing to a bird's wing. How does the placement help?
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: follows the spatial clue or arrow and states which words belong with which image or part.
Check: The learner follows the spatial clue or arrow and states which words belong with which image or part.
If you are stuck: Move a loose word card beside the matching picture, then add a yarn line or finger trace between them.
E4: Find a book title and reading start
A book's title names the text, while the first readable page and the top-left starting point show where its English print begins.
Front coverTitle: Busy BeesOpen to first pageStart here: top-left word
Think: Point to the front cover. Locate and name the title. Open the book and point to where reading begins.
Try: Show the title of this book, then open it and point to the first word you would read.
A strong answer: Complete the modelled response and use the example to show: identifies the title and a plausible first reading point rather than pointing only to the cover picture.
Check: The learner identifies the title and a plausible first reading point rather than pointing only to the cover picture.
If you are stuck: Add removable Title and Start here arrows, model once, then move the arrows to a new familiar book.
Common misconceptions
- Start reading at any place on the page — Point to the agreed starting point and trace the reading direction with a finger.
- Every picture on a screen is a button — Compare a display picture with a clearly labelled button or icon and test only with teacher guidance.
- Books and screens are organised in exactly the same way — Place them side by side and name one shared clue, such as a title, and one different clue, such as page turn or Next button.
Explain and apply
Use book clues
Before opening a book, point to the front cover and title. What do they help you know?
Answer and teaching guidance
The cover and title help identify the book and predict what it may be about.
Follow the reading path
On a familiar English picture-book page, where do you usually begin reading and where do you move next?
Answer and teaching guidance
Begin at the top-left word, move left to right across the line, then move down when the line is finished.
Use screen navigation
A screen has a speaker icon and a Next button. What does each feature help a reader do?
Answer and teaching guidance
The speaker icon usually plays audio; the Next button moves forward. The learner explains the job of each feature.
Compare print and screen
Name one way a book page and screen page are organised differently.
Answer and teaching guidance
Accept differences such as turning a page versus tapping a button, or printed title versus screen title and icons.
Try these
- Book walk — Students point to the cover, title, first page and next-page direction on a familiar book.cover → title → first page → next page
- Screen tour — On a teacher-controlled page, students locate the title, speaker icon and Next button without pressing yet.title • speaker icon • Next button
- Tell the path — Students give a partner the steps for beginning and moving through one text.start point → reading path → navigation
Check your understanding
Quick checks
- Where do we usually start reading an English sentence?
- After reaching the end of one line, where do you usually go?
- Which part tells the name of a book?
- A teacher asks where to start reading a picture book. What should you point to?
Mastery evidence
- Where do we usually start reading an English sentence?
- After reaching the end of one line, where do you usually go?
- Which part tells the name of a book?
- A teacher asks where to start reading a picture book. What should you point to?
- The learner locates the first word and traces left to right, then returns to the start of the next line below.
- The learner selects Food and explains that the label matches the needed information.
- The learner follows the spatial clue or arrow and states which words belong with which image or part.
- The learner identifies the title and a plausible first reading point rather than pointing only to the cover picture.
🎥 Optional Video Lesson
The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.
Before you watch:
- Pause after each worked example.
- Try the examples yourself.
- Return to the SkillrHub lesson before continuing.
Recommended: Parts of a Book | Print Awareness
Khan Academy Kids — Finding the cover, title and other familiar parts of a book.
As you watch: Where would you look for the title?
Load video player Loads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.
Try it: Pick up a book. Show its front cover and title, then demonstrate how you turn its pages.
Video unavailable, inaccurate or unsuitable for this year? Report a video problem to SkillrHub by email. You can continue with the written lesson and practice resources.
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