As a teacher turned parent, I’ve gained valuable insights into supporting young learners is developing language skills. In this blog post, I’ll share three strategies to promote language development that have proven effective in my teaching career and now as a parent. By implementing these strategies, you can create a language-rich environment that fosters your child’s communication skills. Let’s explore these strategies together!
First Strategy in Developing Language Skills: Realia
Realia, a term I discovered during my teaching days, has had a profound impact on my parenting journey, as well. Incorporating realia is one of the strategies to promote language development. It involves using everyday objects and materials as teaching aids, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Realia brings learning to life and creates an authentic and engaging experience for kids. For instance, when exploring the kitchen, I gather a basket filled with spoons, spatulas, and measuring cups. As we use these items, we name them, encouraging my little one’s active participation and making the learning process hands-on and practical. It’s amazing how much more engaged and excited she becomes when she can interact with real objects.
Another memorable experience was when we delved into the world of butterflies. We ordered caterpillars and watched their remarkable transformation into beautiful butterflies. Seeing the real-life process, from caterpillars to chrysalises and finally to butterflies, made the vocabulary truly come alive for my child. Now, whenever I introduce a new topic, I strive to provide the closest possible representation of the real thing.
Let’s say we’re exploring polar bears. Our first stop would be a trip to the zoo to observe them up close and personal. This firsthand encounter not only sparks curiosity but also creates a lasting impression. We then dive into books with real photographs, allowing us to explore their habitat, behavior, and unique characteristics together. To further enhance the learning experience, we play with realistic polar bear figures, enabling my child to engage in imaginative play and deepen her understanding. But what if a zoo trip isn’t feasible? In that case, captivating pictures and videos become our window into the world of polar bears. We immerse ourselves in their environment through visual media, sparking conversations and expanding our knowledge. The key is to make the learning experience as real and vivid as possible because that’s when it truly sticks with young learners.
Realia not only captivates children but also nurtures their curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them. By incorporating real objects, experiences, and representations into their learning journey, we provide them with tangible connections and make learning more meaningful.
Second Strategy in Developing Language Skills: Wait Time
In the classroom setting, I learned about “wait time,” which refers to the time between posing a question and a student answering. Scholarly articles often discuss the implementation of wait time in high school or college classrooms during discussions. However, I quickly realized that the essence of wait time is just as important in the elementary classroom. Giving students time to process the question and organize their thoughts not only keeps them engaged but also increases the likelihood of more students responding. As a teacher, I witnessed the benefits of implementing wait time firsthand. It allowed students who took longer to process information to stay engaged and actively participate.
When I became a parent, it was only natural for me to apply this principle of wait time in our conversations. I recognized that as language learners, our toddlers often need additional time to understand the question, think about what is being asked, and formulate a response. It was remarkable to observe how my toddler, given the wait time, would eventually respond and engage in meaningful conversations. By allowing her the opportunity to process and respond at her own pace, I realized I was providing her with valuable chances to practice her communication skills and build confidence.
Implementing wait time can be challenging for adults due to two common fears: the fear of silence and the fear of struggle. It may feel uncomfortable to allow ten seconds of silence to go by without anyone speaking because it disrupts the natural conversational rhythm we are accustomed to as adults. Additionally, many adults find it difficult to let a child “struggle.” We naturally want to help them and see them succeed. However, it’s important to recognize that struggle and mistakes are essential for optimal learning. By allowing children the space to grapple with questions and find their own words, we empower them to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. It’s important to remember that toddlers are eager to assert their independence and say, “I DOOD IT!” (I do it!) frequently. Often, the discomfort during wait time lies solely with the adult. So, when you find yourself waiting uncomfortably, take a deep breath, count to 10 Mississippis, and remind yourself, “I am helping them learn. I am helping them learn,” while resisting the urge to interject too quickly.
With young children, their responses may not always align with our expectations. After they nod, grunt, or respond with sounds like “bah!” we can respond with how we imagine they would answer. Here’s an example:
You: How does the grass feel on your feet?
[Ten seconds pass]
Them: “Bah!”
You: Yes, it does feel so soft, doesn’t it? Is it tickling your toes? [Ten seconds]
Them: “Dah!”
You: Yes, it is tickling your toes!
In my opinion, wait time is the easiest of the three strategies to promote language development. By drawing on my experiences in the classroom, I was able to apply the concept of wait time in my parenting journey. It became clear that giving our children the time and space to process and respond is instrumental in supporting their language development and fostering their independence in communication.
Third Strategy in Developing Language Skills: Dialogic Reading
As both a teacher and a parent, I’ve witnessed the incredible benefits of dialogic reading, also known as interactive reading. In the elementary classroom, this practice is commonly used, and it’s an approach I naturally implement every day. What is fascinating is that research has demonstrated how children whose parents engage in dialogic reading, going beyond simply reading the book, experience accelerated vocabulary development compared to those who don’t.
By prompting your child to talk about the book, evaluating their responses, expanding on their answers, and offering further prompts, you create an enriching learning environment. Let’s explore some types of prompts that can fuel engaging conversations:
Completion Prompts: Take, for instance, the beloved book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?” Here, you can say, “I see a ______ looking at me,” and encourage your child to fill in the blank, fostering their participation.
Open-Ended Prompts: Nurture their observation skills by asking thought-provoking questions like, “What do you notice in this picture?” This encourages them to explore details and express their observations.
Detail Prompts: Utilize questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how. For example, you might ask, “When did the Caterpillar get sick?” or “What makes Rainbow Fish special?” This type of prompt deepens their comprehension and critical thinking abilities.
Connection Prompts: Make connections to their personal experiences or elicit their opinions. You could inquire, “Have you ever eaten too much food?” or “What did you see at the zoo?” This creates a bridge between the story and their own lives, encouraging personal reflection and engagement.
Once you pose a prompt, it’s crucial to evaluate your child’s response for accuracy. Although it may feel uncomfortable to correct them, providing immediate feedback is essential for their growth and development. Remember, our brains learn best when we make mistakes. Delivering feedback in a loving and empathetic manner, recognizing their effort and progress, makes the learning process more enjoyable for both of you.
Additionally, take the opportunity to expand on their answers whenever possible. For example, if your child mentions that the rainbow fish has special scales, you can add, “Yes, indeed! The rainbow fish has sparkly and colorful scales that make it unique.”
The final part of the dialogic reading procedure is to reprompt. While this technique may feel unnecessary, it can serve as a valuable reinforcement tool. By reiterating the prompt, you provide additional support and enhance your child’s understanding. Here’s an example of how you can incorporate repetition into the conversation:
You: What is this?
Child: A fish.
You: That’s right, it’s a fish! Look at its beautiful, sparkly scales. What type of fish is this? Child: It’s a rainbow fish with sparkly scales!
Through dialogic reading, you not only support your child’s language growth but also establish a strong bond and instill a lifelong love for books. So, embrace the power of conversation, dive into captivating stories, and watch as your child’s language skills flourish in the most delightful way!
Conclusion
Incorporating these three strategies to promote language development into your daily routine nurtures language development in young children while creating meaningful connections and exploration opportunities. By using realia, implementing wait time, and engaging in dialogic reading, parents and educators can foster language acquisition, critical thinking skills, and independence in communication. Embrace these strategies, create a language-rich environment, and witness the incredible growth and joy that result from fostering meaningful conversations with your child. Remember, as parents and educators, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s language development. Let’s celebrate their curiosity, support their communication skills, and inspire a lifelong love for learning through engaging conversations and authentic experiences.
