Blogging A to Z: Talking
What kind of talking is found most in your home? It is one-sided, directional talking? As in, “Little Billy, go wash your hands for dinner.” Or is it conversation talking? Where you and Little Billy talk back and forth each listening and responding to each other. Both types of talking are important early literacy skills. Kids need to be able to follow multi-step instructions when they go to school. But more importantly, a language-rich environment helps to increase a child’s vocabulary and exposure to words.
Adding More Talking To Your Daily Life
There are some really simple ways to increase the amount of talking you do at home – the first is obvious, read more books! Sharing books together and asking questions and commenting on the story is a great way to interject more conversation in your everyday life.
Try talking to your toddler about the plan for the day during breakfast, Use words like “next” and “after” to teach your child about how time works as well. If you’re at the grocery store, take a minute and explain what you’re looking for and what you’re going to make with that food. Or ask your child to pick out a favorite vegetable or new vegetable to have with dinner.
Finally, take time to explain something! This is super easy – if you’re brushing your teeth. Talk to your child about dental health – nothing too major, just a few facts about why brushing your teeth is important. Teach them about doing the laundry, it doesn’t really matter so much what you’re explaining, as much as it’s about the fact that you’re using words they might never have heard before!
Don’t Forget
When talking with your child, get down on their level and try to look them in the eye. Also, spend time actively listening when they are talking to you. Don’t be distracted by your phone, tablet, TV, etc. Teaching kids how to have a conversation is important too!
Today’s book list has some really great stories that make a perfect conversation starter! Open one up today!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Book List #20 – Talking
- Chimpanzees for Tea by Jo Empson
Vincent is supposed to pick up a few things at the grocery store but gets all confused with very funny results! - City Shapes by Diana Murray, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Discover all the shapes that make up a little girl’s neighborhood in a big city! - The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
A story about how, with a little nurturing, a struggling garden will grow. - Ella Who? by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Sara Sanchez
In the midst of moving an elephant sneaks into a little girl’s house! - Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Grandma’s purse is always full of surprises and today is no differnet! - Hike by Pete Oswald
A father and son spend a special day together as they enjoy the wilderness all around them. - Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Deborah Hocking
Turn an every day errand into an adventure with Max! - Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, illustrated by Rafael López
Art and color can transform a communinty into something beautiful! - The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion
A young boy must go to work with his parents one night where his imagination runs wild! - The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Nicky doesn’t expect to have fun spending summer vacation with his grandmother, but he’s surprised. - Runaway Signs by Joan Holub, illustrated by Alison Farrell
The road signs decide to take a vacation, but no one knows what to do when they’re all gone! - Wordy Birdy by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Dave Mottram
Wordy Birdy loves to talk, but isn’t so great at listening! This fun story will be a favorite!
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.
For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!
