Strategy 1: Informal Conversations
Strategy 1 - Having rich, informal conversations with children is a very powerful strategy that teachers and adults in the home can easily do. A child can learn so much from the conversation with adults, siblings, and peers. With Incidental learning, children have more opportunities to talk with adults, and as a result, they grow their vocabulary and verbal acuity in general.
As a mother and teacher - I have always talked to children in ways that promote conversations. I always use the phrases “Say more” or “Tell me what you think about that” to keep the conversation going. My own children have excellent vocabularies and I have seen them in both informal and professional settings and they have excellent conversations with others, not just peers, but adults and even when meeting someone for the first time.
In my classroom I have seen fourth graders transform from dominating a conviction by having to listen first then respond. This promotes conversational etiquette but also fosters a life-long social skill needed everyday. My favorite time to have intentional rich conversations with my students is on the playground,on walks, or during recess. I get to know more about them as little people, not just as students. Kids open up so much more when they feel comfortable and trust you. The conversation begins with talking about school and ends up with talking about the things that are really on their minds.
Strategy 1 - Having rich, informal conversations with children is a very powerful strategy that teachers and adults in the home can easily do. A child can learn so much from the conversation with adults, siblings, and peers. With Incidental learning, children have more opportunities to talk with adults, and as a result, they grow their vocabulary and verbal acuity in general.
As a mother and teacher - I have always talked to children in ways that promote conversations. I always use the phrases “Say more” or “Tell me what you think about that” to keep the conversation going. My own children have excellent vocabularies and I have seen them in both informal and professional settings and they have excellent conversations with others, not just peers, but adults and even when meeting someone for the first time.
In my classroom I have seen fourth graders transform from dominating a conviction by having to listen first then respond. This promotes conversational etiquette but also fosters a life-long social skill needed everyday. My favorite time to have intentional rich conversations with my students is on the playground,on walks, or during recess. I get to know more about them as little people, not just as students. Kids open up so much more when they feel comfortable and trust you. The conversation begins with talking about school and ends up with talking about the things that are really on their minds.