Children need a strong foundation of spoken language during the preschool and school-age years. Think of all they ways that your child learns language through play. Encourage these activities at home to build spoken language.
Dramatic Play
- How to Make Prop Boxes for Dramatic Play, from Education World
- Ideas for Pretend Play in the Elementary Years, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Top Picks - Pretend Play Toys for Younger Elementary Children, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Top Picks - Pretend Play Toys for Older Elementary Children, from Parenting of K-6 Children
Mutual Storytelling
- How to Get Started Telling Family Stories, from Cathy Spagnoli
- How to Collect Family Stories, from Storyarts.org
- Your Family Love History, fun for Valentines Day from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Purchase the book Creating a Family Storytelling Tradition by Robin Moore
Family Conversation
- How to Teach Your Child Conversation Skills, from Boys and Girls Town
- Good conversation: The best ingredient for family meals, from Children's Nutrition Research Center
- Family Conversation Starters, from Homebasics.ca
- How to Listen to Your Child, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- How to Hold Family Meetings, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Purchase the book Table Talk: Creating Meaningful Conversation With Family and Friends by Karol Ladd
Learning Songs and Poems
- Cute Early Childhood Songs to Sing with Your Child, from The Idea Box *Note from Kim, 'Don't miss this one for silly favorites such as Do Your Ears Hang Low? and Down by the Bay!'
- Classic Nursery Rhyme Printables for Early Learning, from A Rhyme a Week
- Lyrics and Midi Files for Favorite Children's Songs, from The Teacher's Guide
- Sing with Your Child with Confidence, from BBC Parents' Music Room
- Children and Poetry, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Shopping for Children's Music, from Parenting of K-6 Children
- Top Picks - Children's Poetry Books, from About Children's Books
Back to Ideas and Activities to Help Your Child Learn to Read