This guide is intended for teachers interested in helping preschool and kindergarten children make discoveries about the reading process. The guide focuses specifically on ways teachers can build written words into children's dramatic play through the use of symbolic props-materials which either contain written words or invite children to create their own. Five settings for dramatic play (house, restaurant, beauty or barber shop, fire station and doctor's office) are described, along with suggestions about equipment, materials, experiences and symbolic props which might be used in each setting. Also discussed: how children learn, how teachers can intervene in children's play, how dramatic play relates to other aspects of the preschool and kindergarten program. (MS)