Enriching and promoting language development in the preschool classroom

Language, literacy, communication . . . making sense of it all

     There is a big push to create print rich environments in preschool classrooms.  Creating print rich environments and enriching the curriculum with activities that promote literacy are important for preparing young children for Kindergarten.  But what about building vocabulary, language, and communication?  What about those kids in the classroom who are a little behind their peers in speech (sounds) or language development?

      For the past few years, I have been using language strategies designed by the Hanen Center.  (http://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx)  They have programs to teach parents, teachers, and other professionals (SLP's, etc.) how to promote language development.  And while I cannot coach on my blog, I am putting up a host of resources, tips, and videos to get you started.

     I will start with the short hand version of the strategy and then follow up with some youtube videos to give you a good picture of some examples and non-examples.

The Basics

1. Play with the child at their level
2. Model language or ask questions that are at the child's level.  For example, if the child is only using single words, use 1-2 words to model.
3. Talk about what the child is interested in.
4. Wait for a response.  (This one is hard.  So often, adults like to fill the silence when little ones aren't talking) 

     Let's start with a non example video . . . .

(Note:  This is a youtube video.  This mom posted it as her "before Hanen" video)
This is a non-example for a few reasons.  When reading with little ones, it is really important for them to be "hooked" first.  This little one isn't getting much out the story because he is all over the place.  When reading with young children, you want to ensure you have their interest.  Once you do, talk about the things in the book that interest them.  You don't have to read a book word-for-word for it to be a meaningful language and literacy experience.

When reading with younger ones you want to
1)  Talk about what they are interested in
2) Keep your language short and sweet
3) Make it exciting! (As if that book is the most interesting you have ever read)
4) It's okay to move on when the child is no longer interested

     Now let's look at a Hanen example of play in the classroom . . .

     The teacher in this video is doing a couple of nice things to build language.  She is talking about what the kids are doing.  She is asking questions related to their play.  She is asking open ended questions to get them to think about their play.

     All of these children have typically developing language; however, if they didn't the teacher could use the same strategies and simplify her language.  You want to model language that is just above where the child is at.  (See above: The basics)

Building Vocabulary

     Every interest area in the classroom can be great for promoting language.  You can plan how you are going to expand a child's vocabulary with the use of language circles.  Here are a few examples for common interest centers in the classroom.

     The purpose of a language circle is just to get you to think about how you can build vocabulary in your classroom.  I have found it to be a useful tool for planning in the classroom.

 Speech and Language Resources for Teachers

1. http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Fun-Activities.aspx
2. http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/handout.aspx
3. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Preschool-Language-Disorders/
4. http://www.playingwithwords365.com/freebies/

New post:  Literacy rich environments . . . .