Talk, talk, talk!
Dear Parents,
Oral language is the
foundation of literacy. Children
with good verbal skills are generally better readers. Here are some simple things you can do to improve talking
and listening at home.
1. TURN IT OFF! Turn off the radio or CD
player in your car. Talk about
your day or just listen.
2. TURN OFF THE TELEVISION AND THE COMPUTER! Limit
screen time and watch programs with your child. Who is your favorite character? Is it real or pretend?
What do you think will happen next?
3. Eat meals together. Try to
eat at least one meal a day as a family.
Turn off the radio, TV, and cell phone and you’ll be amazed at how
talking will increase.
4. Be a good model for your child. If your child says something
incorrectly, don’t reprimand your child.
Simply repeat it correctly so your child hears how it should be said.
5. Talk about what you see as you drive down the road or
what you are doing as you prepare a meal.
The more your child hears you talk, the more your child will want to
talk.
6. Listen, listen, listen! Stop what you are doing and look your child in
the eyes when she talks to you.
Demonstrate child that what she
has to say is important to you.