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 to your child that what she has to say is important to you.

Happy talking!