5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Communication
Things to Know or Do
- Repeatand extendwhat your child says (for example, child says “ball”; “yes, a big, red ball”).
- Modellanguage by using describing your actions or a child’s actions (for example, “I am setting the table for lunch”; “you are using blocks to build a house”.
- Readwith your child, tell stories, recite nursery rhymes and sing fingerplays.
- Askyour child simple questionsabout the book.
- Act out storiesthrough dramatic play, drawsimple pictures, or sequence picturesto retell a story.
Children Read Alouds
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?by Bill Martin, Jr.
A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book.
The Itsy Bitsy Spiderby Iza Trapani
The itsy-bitsy spider encounters a fan, a mouse, a cat, and a rocking chair as she makes her way to the top of a tree to spin her web.
Wheels on the Busby Raffi
An exciting sing-along board book features a fun-filled rhythmic text and charming full-color illustrations.
Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Treeby Eileen Christelow
While their mother takes a nap, five mischievous monkeys discover that it is unwise to tease Mr. Crocodile.
Links to Visit
- Get Ready to Read: Understanding Language Development in Preschoolers
- Zero to Three: How to Support Your Child's Communication Skills
- Scholastic: Language and Literacy Development in 3-5 Year Olds
Points to Research
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute: Early Childhood Educators Hold the Key to Children's Communication Skills
- More Than Baby Talk: 10 Ways to Promote the Language and Communication Skills of Infants and Toddlers
Video to View
Avance, Inc: Engaging Children in Meaningful Conversations