Talking
Talking with Preschoolers
Preschoolers are learning about words and meanings. Their language development happens in bursts.
They like to play with words and they need time to use and practice both.
Talking about things the preschooler can see, touch, taste, smell and feel will help them connect words to real things.
Talking involves many skills like:
- paying attention to the speaker and listening to the words
- understanding what has been said
- thinking about an appropriate response
- forming words and saying them
- waiting and checking that the other person has understood.
- We do many of these things automatically, without
thinking about them. Breaking down these skills into smaller steps can
help. For example to help a child listen you can:
- say 'listen now'
- get down to their height so their face is level with yours
- stop, look and listen to them when they talk to you.
- To help them understand you can:
- get them to tell you in their own words what you said
- keep your sentences short
- use the word 'like': 'It is like ....'
- help them remember past things: 'What does it remind you of?'
- To help them give an appropriate response you can:
- wait and give them time to answer
- smile, nod and give them encouraging signals
- say 'I'm listening'.
- To help them with their speech you can:
- speak clearly
- repeat back to them what they have said.
- To help them wait for a response you can:
- say 'Wait while I think about my answer'
- slow down your speech.
- If you are worried about your child's progress check with your doctor or child care professional.
courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.
Preschoolers Ages and Stages
::
Preschoolers Eating ::
Preschoolers Sleeping
Preschoolers Toileting ::
Preschoolers Discipline ::
Preschoolers Losing The Plot
Talking To Preschoolers ::
Things To Talk With Preschoolers
Preschoolers Activities ::
Preschoolers School ::
Preschoolers Health And Safety
Parenting Index Page