Encouraging Language Development

"Teachers can support children's language development with many different strategies, including taking conversational turns with them, observing and listening while children take time to formulate and express their thoughts, and asking questions (even open-ended ones) sparingly so children can initiate as well as respond in conversation," observes Ann Epstein in The Intentional Teacher.  Epstein continues...

"Exposing young children to a rich, varied vocabulary and the rules of discourse helps them to develop the language facility that underlies the later acquisition of literacy, interpersonal problem-solving skills, and other cognitive and social abilities.

"Children talk when they have something to say.  Providing children with interesting materials and experiences they want to talk about, therefore, is a good way to promote language.  A positive classroom climate provides opportunities and encouragement so children feel free to talk.  Intentional teachers invite children to talk with one another, and they themselves converse with all the children, including those who are quiet or whose behavior or demeanor make them more challenging to talk with.  These strategies will increase the amount and complexity of children's language and create a classroom in which lively conversations accompany busy hands and minds."

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