A Language-Rich Home

Strong language skills make children better readers, writers, and all-around students.  You can build these skills by just talking to your child!  Here are a few ideas to try:

• Narrate everyday activities like driving or cooking.  Simply hearing unfamiliar words in conversation will help your child understand words in books.  If the words are unknown, explain to your child what they are and how they work.
• Encourage your child to join in family conversations.  Ask him/her questions to help expand on the answers given (examples: "Why do you think so?" "What else happened?")  This helps children to learn to talk about events and give opinions.

Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated