Which method is least appropriate for assessing print awareness in kindergarten students?

The most suitable approach for assessing print awareness in kindergarten students focuses on their understanding of the basics of print, such as recognizing words, understanding book orientation, and identifying spacing. In this context, asking students to identify the main idea of a story goes beyond print awareness, as it involves comprehension skills that require higher cognitive processes.

Print awareness is primarily about recognizing the physical aspects of written language, such as how books are organized and how print functions. The other methods mentioned—demonstrating how to hold a book, pointing to words during reading, and showing spaces between words—align closely with the foundational skills that kindergarten students are expected to develop regarding print, making them appropriate for assessing print awareness. These activities help young learners show their understanding of the mechanics of reading, which is essential to their literacy development at this stage.