Language in Everyday Moments
Use these ideas to help children learn all day long.
Consider these ideas to develop language during everyday moments:
When you’re helping children get dressed…
Talk about what you’re doing: “Let’s choose a sweater to keep you warm.” Then build on what they say: “That fuchsia sweater you chose is thick and soft, just right for keeping you warm and cozy on this cold day.” By starting with a familiar word, sweater, and describing your thinking, actions, and decisions, you’re introducing children to new words.
When you’re listening to music…
Talk together about the music: “Is this song fast or slow?” and “What a great rhythm. Let’s clap and tap along.”
At bath time, while you’re scrubbing from head to toe…
Invite children to chime in with the names of other parts of their body as they soap up: elbows, belly button, knuckles, and ankles.
The Perfect Book: An Act Along Story
Make story time more engaging by encouraging children to act out what they hear!
Buzzing About Books
As children grow, they can engage with books (and caring grown-ups!) in special ways.
A Star Reader
There are many steps to reading, and all are important to becoming a great reader. It’s a process!
Grow, Grow, Grow!
A story about Elmo and his daddy using a book to grow a flower.
One More Time
There are lots of different ways to share the same story, again and again!
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Birth to Three
Tips for using reading time to bond with your child and build their language and literacy skills.
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Three to Five
Tips to make shared reading a time for learning and connection.
